Charity bike shop opens in Inchicore

A new bike shop, Frontline Bikes has opened in Inchicore and employs individuals affected by crime and addiction. 

Frontline Bikes was set up by “Frontline Make Change”, a charity that has been in operation since 1999 and provides people in the area with addiction services.

The bikes are repaired, upcycled and sold at the Inchicore based store.

The manager of the shop, Daire O’Flaherty told The Liberty that “bikes that would otherwise be discarded and be sent to landfill are repaired and upcycled by the mechanics at the store.

Daire added that “the response to the recent opening of the shop has been amazing, people have been making donations in the form of cash, bikes and even doughnuts have been dropped in for the staff”.

Gerard McBrearty is one of the mechanics at the shop. He was involved with crime at a young age and has battled with addiction in the past. Gerard told RTÉ that working there has been “huge for his recovery” including the re-gaining of “structure, normality and self-worth”.

You can find Frontline Bikes at 149 Emmet Rd, Inchicore or on twitter @FrontlineBikes1