Press Release - For Immediate Release
Issued by the Galway Commuter Coalition in partnership with Galway City Community Network (GCCN), Galway LUAS campaign (GLUAS), and Galway Cycling Campaign.
Transport to Dominate By-Election Debate
With Galway in the worst 10% of cities worldwide for traffic congestion, election candidates are being challenged to commit to real solutions.
A major public hustings on Wednesday 15th April at 7pm in the Park House Hotel will focus on the city’s escalating transport crisis.
The event, hosted by Galway City Community Network (GCCN), is titled “Community and Public Transport”. It takes place in partnership with the Galway LUAS campaign (GLUAS), Galway Commuter Coalition, and Galway Cycling Campaign.
Organisers say incremental change is no longer enough. They want firm commitments, especially urgent progress on a preferred route for a light rail system for Galway.
“Even if current transport plans proceed, congestion is set to worsen by 2040,” says Brian Doherty of GCCN. “Our members want ambitious solutions to chronic traffic problems. This event will show which candidates are ready to lead.”
GLUAS campaigner Brendan Holland says a proposed light rail could carry 13 million passengers annually. “It could also save families up to EUR10,000 per year by removing the need for a second car.”
The National Transport Authority feasibility study found the system is a viable option. Campaigners say it is essential to support Galway’s future growth.
The city’s population is expected to reach 120,000 by 2040, says Holland. “Major developments like Ardaun could deliver 20,000 homes and thousands of jobs. But without mass transit, that growth will stall.”
“Upgrades to the rail network will bring thousands more passengers into Galway daily. Additionally, transport demand will continue to rise across the city. Light rail is the missing piece. GLUAS is now calling for an urgent study of a preferred route.”
“GLUAS creates access to jobs, healthcare, education and housing. Light rail systems already work in cities worldwide. Dublin’s Luas is considered the National Transport Authority’s most successful project. Cork is moving ahead while Galway delays.”
Pamela Byrne of Galway Commuter Coalition says Galwegians have been trapped in traffic by a lack of ambition, vision, and courage for far too long. “This event will show whether candidates have any.”
“The city needs change in the short, medium, and long term. The delivery of Galway’s approved BusConnects schemes in the medium term, and GLUAS in the long term, is vital. All that is lacking is government funding. It is clear that Galway’s need for investment is not being heard by national government. We must know if our candidates will make our needs heard.”
Organisers say voters now have a clear choice: continue with congestion, or commit to transformation.
-Ends-
For further information, please contact:
Lochlann Gallagher
Chairperson, Galway Commuter Coalition
083 183 9112
galwaycommutercoalition@gmail.com