Galway city councillors have backed a motion calling on the council’s CEO, Brendan McGrath, to explore the option of a free bus service to and from the city for the St Patrick’s Day parade in 2020, as well as other large events later this year.
The motion by Independent councillor Mike Cubbard was proposed as members of the chamber agreed to the route of parade in the city for this year. Cllr Cubbard said the parade is “a golden opportunity to provide a free bus service and this would take out car of the city for the day”.
With the motion carrying 15 for, one abstention, and two absent, Cllr Cubbard commented; “I firmly believe that steps such as this can be progressive in supporting Galway as a healthy city, in reducing cars on our roads and in encouraging the use of public transport in the long term.
“I do not accept cost as a factor in rejecting such a proposal as the benefits far outweigh those concerns, in my view. I am hopeful this initiative is rolled out later this year and welcome the positive response from the CEO.”