THE 450 bicycle rental scheme for Dublin city

Clonmel Bike
Originally uploaded by Mike Maunsell

Today Irish Times reports that 450 bicycles will soon be available in Dublin City for commuters and tourists.
According to Olivia Kelly, 450 bicycles which are to be provided under long-awaited bicycle rental scheme for Dublin city will be available at 40 locations around the city from July 2009.
The installation of the 40 bicycle “stations”, where users will be able to pick up or drop off bicycles, began this week and is due to be completed by the end of June, paving the way for the scheme to begin in early July.
The bicycles are being provided through a deal between Dublin City Council and advertising multinational JC Decaux. Under the deal JC Decaux will provide and maintain the bicycles in exchange for a 15-year permission to use outdoor advertising space in Dublin estimated to be worth €1 million annually. Read more in todays Irish times.