Wicklow County Council Launches New Climate Mitigation Measures in Burnaby Park, Greystones
Wicklow County Council is excited to announce the launch of two major climate mitigation initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainable transport and reducing operational emissions. These projects represent significant progress in the Council’s Climate Action Plan and its commitment to a greener, cleaner future.
MOBY E-Bike Sharing Scheme Expands to Greystones
In partnership with MOBY, Wicklow County Council will officially launch a public e-bike sharing scheme in the Greystones Municipal District on Monday, 26th May 2025. This initiative brings 100 electric bikes to over 30 key locations across Greystones, including Delgany and Killincarrig. The scheme is designed to provide residents and visitors with a convenient, affordable, and sustainable transportation alternative.
The e-bike stations are strategically located to connect town centres, public transport links, schools, sports centres, tourist attractions and residential communities. Riders can rent and return e-bikes at designated bike stands or virtual parking locations indicated in the MOBY MOVE app.
Importantly, this scheme integrates with the existing network in Bray, allowing seamless travel between the two towns and encouraging more people to choose active, low-carbon transportation. MOBY’s e-bikes are equipped with automatic gearing, anti-theft GPS tracking, and a long-lasting battery with a range of up to 70 km, making them suitable for both commuting and leisure activities.
The service will operate 24/7 with flexible pricing options, including pay-per-use. To celebrate the launch, Wicklow County Council and MOBY will offer free ride passes throughout June, encouraging the public to try the service. There are also plans to expand a similar scheme to Arklow, Wicklow Town, and Blessington in the near future.
Decarbonising Council Operations with Electric Mowers
Wicklow County Council has also rolled out three 100% electric Mean Green mowers in the Greystones, Bray and Baltinglass Municipal Districts. These electric mowers, supplied by Dublin Grass Machinery, mark a significant step forward in reducing emissions from public realm maintenance.
Traditional petrol mowers are noisy, require high maintenance, and emit high levels of carbon. In contrast, Mean Green Electric Mowers produce zero emissions, require less maintenance, and operate with lower noise and vibration levels, making them safer and more comfortable for operators. Notably, petrol ride-on mowers can emit up to 30 times more pollution than a car, making this transition crucial for improving local air quality and supporting climate action.
A Step Towards a Greener Future
These initiatives align closely with Wicklow County Council’s Climate Action Plan and the National Sustainable Mobility Policy. They demonstrate a practical, community-focused approach to reducing emissions and enhancing the quality of life throughout the county.
Cathaoirleach of Greystones Municipal District, Cllr. Tom Fortune welcomed these developments, stating: “We are delighted to introduce these climate mitigation measures in the Greystones Municipal District. MOBY’s innovative e-bike sharing scheme will enhance connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and support our long-term goals for sustainable travel. The new electric mowers will also make a visible difference in places like Burnaby Park, where residents and visitors can enjoy a cleaner and quieter environment.”
Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, added: “The launch of the MOBY e-bike scheme and Mean Green Electric Mowers reflects our ongoing commitment to climate action and sustainable transport. These initiatives are part of a county-wide effort to meet climate targets and improve the well-being of our communities. Through collaboration between our Municipal Districts, Active Travel Team and Climate Action Team, we are driving real change at the local level.”
Theresa O’Brien, Director of Service for Climate, Environment, Recreation and Amenity, commented: “These projects are a tangible example of how local government can lead by example in reducing emissions and promoting low-carbon lifestyles. By investing in clean technologies, like electric mowers, and providing public access to active travel options such as e-bikes, we are not only reducing our operational footprint but also empowering our communities to engage in climate action. These are the kinds of practical, scalable solutions we need to implement across the board to build a resilient, climate-friendly future for County Wicklow.”
Thomas O’Connell, CEO and Founder of MOBY, expressed his enthusiasm: “We’re excited to launch our Greystones e-bike scheme, offering a smart mobility solution that provides a real alternative to private car use. Our experience operating similar schemes around Ireland ensures we can meet the unique needs of the Greystones community with a high-quality, accessible, and sustainable service.”
IMAGE 1: (L to R) Mark Costello (Climate Change Coordinator Wicklow County Council), Graham Cullen (District Engineer), Theresa O'Brien (Climate Director of Services, Wicklow County Council), Marc Devereux (Greystones Director of Services, Wicklow County Council), Aadarsh Das (Moby), Cathaoirleach of the Greystones Municipal District Cllr. Tom Fortune, Julie Sammiller (Community Climate Action Programme, Wicklow County Council), , Keith Byrne (Wicklow County Council) and Rory O'Hanlon (Capital Delivery Engineer, Wicklow County Council). Photo Credit: Michael Kelly.
IMAGE 2: (L to R) Cathaoirleach of the Greystones Municipal District Cllr. Tom Fortune, Greystones Municipal District Engineers Graham Cullen and Rory O'Hanlon with the Greystones Municipal District Maintenance team at the launch of Moby E-Mobility Bike Scheme & EV Green Machine Mower in Burnaby Park, Greystones. Photo Credit: Michael Kelly.
IMAGE 3: The new Mean Green mower being used at Burnaby Park, Greystones. Photo Credit: Michael Kelly.
IMAGE 4: (L to R): Mark Costello and Julie Sammiller (Climate Action Team Wicklow County Council) with Aadarsh Das (Moby) and Cathaoirleach of the Greystones Municipal District Cllr. Tom Fortune. Credit: Michael Kelly.
IMAGE 5: (L to R): Andrew Richardson (Dublin Grass Machinery), Julie Sammiller (Community Climate Action Programme), Ruairi O'Hanlon (Capital Delivery Engineer), Graham Cullen (District Engineer) Keith Byrne, Aadarsh Das (Moby E-Mobility Bikes), Marc Devereux (Director of Services, Wicklow County Council), Mark Costello (Climate Action Coordinator) and Theresa O'Brien (Director of Services, Wicklow County Council), with Cllr. Tom Fortune (Cathaoirleach of Greystones Municipal District) and Councillors Erica Doyle, Louise Fenelon Gaskin, Orla Finn, Stephen Stokes, Lourda Scott and Mark Barry. Credit: Michael Kelly.