Fingal Launches Swords Cycle to School Scheme and Swords Bike Library

Fingal County Council, together with Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien TD, has launched the Swords Cycle to School Scheme and the Swords Bike Library, two initiatives designed to make cycling more accessible and encourage more people to choose active travel for everyday journeys.

The Swords Cycle to School Scheme is a pilot programme being delivered across five secondary schools: Fingal Community College, St Finian's Community College, Swords Community College, Loreto College Swords and Coláiste Choilm. The initiative aims to support students who are currently driven to school but do not have access to a bicycle.

Through a partnership with The Rediscovery Centre and The Bike Hub, eligible students will receive a free refurbished bicycle and bike lock, helping them make the transition from car-based travel to independent cycling. The scheme aims to increase cycling among students, reduce school-related traffic congestion and support more sustainable travel habits.

Attending the launch, Deputy Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Luke Corkery, expressed his support, stating: "These projects are such valuable additions to our community. They encourage people to choose cycling as a sustainable and healthy mode of transport, while also reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality, which ultimately improves the quality of life for Fingal residents."

AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, said: "The launch of these projects reflects Fingal County Council's long-term strategic vision of creating sustainable, connected and healthy communities. Through initiatives such as these, we are making active travel more inclusive, while also supporting our climate action goals and shaping a greener Fingal for future generations."

Complementing this initiative, Fingal County Council has also launched the Swords Bike Library in partnership with Bleeper and with part-funding from the National Transport Authority (NTA). Building on the success of the Bike Library in Dublin 15, the scheme allows participants to borrow an e-bike free of charge for up to three months, giving them the opportunity to try e-cycling before considering purchasing a bike.

Available exclusively to Swords’ residents, the scheme supports cycling as a convenient, affordable and sustainable option for commuting, local journeys, leisure and exercise. Participants can borrow a range of e-bike types, including standard e-bikes, folding e-bikes and longtail bikes, helping them incorporate cycling into their daily routines while reducing reliance on private cars. Registered participants who are allocated a bike can collect it from Applewood Community Centre or Holywell Community Centre, with no rental fee and only a fully refundable deposit required.

David Storey, Director of Services for Environment, Climate Action, Active Travel & Sport at Fingal County Council, added: "We are committed to ensuring that active travel is accessible to everyone in Fingal. By providing greater access to bikes and e-bikes, these initiatives give residents the opportunity to experience the benefits of cycling and support a shift towards more sustainable travel choices."

Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien TD said: "Encouraging more people to choose cycling is about more than infrastructure; it's about providing opportunities and removing barriers. These programmes will help people of all ages discover how cycling can fit into their daily lives."

Students, parents and schools interested in learning more about the Swords Cycle to School Scheme, or residents interested in participating in the Swords Bike Library, can email [email protected] for further information.