Mayor Colette Connolly says she is extremely disappointed and dismayed that 14 councillors opted to vote for Cllr Peter Keane’s motion to revoke a resolution made by the council in September.
Following an extensive debate the proposals for a temporary cycle way in Salthill were defeated as a number of councillors raised issues at Monday’s online meeting of the Galway City Council.
“It is incredulous that councillors would renege on their commitment to improving cycling infrastructure in the area and pre-empt the outcome of the public consultation process by placing such a motion on the council agenda,” Mayor Connolly says.
Galway 'light years behind other cities'
.
Mayor Connolly [pictured above] proposed a recommendation to the executive ‘That the Galway City Council proceed with the two-way segregated cycle lane from Grattan Road to Blackrock and to not proceed with the one-way cycle lane from Blackrock to Barna/Kingston junction.’
Eventually councillors voted on Cllr Peter Keane’s motion and Mayor Connolly believes it is a significant set back for the provision of cycling infrastructure in Salthill.
“I understand people are loathe to change but the serious implications of climate change resulting in adverse weather conditions, global warming, and significant health issues necessitate that change is inevitable,” Mayor Connolly says.
.
“The Climate Action Act 2021 commits Ireland to a legally binding target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions no later than 2050, and a reduction of 51 per cent by 2030 and an essential component of meeting those targets is a switch to public transport and cycling and walking.
“Galway is light years behind other cities notably Lorient – a twin sister city – where a 30km speed limit operates within the city boundary and a cycling infrastructure that is far superior to what we have in Galway. The decision of councillors ignores the current hostile and dangerous environment for cyclists and pedestrians and will do little to encourage parents and children, who want a safer, greener city to cycle.”
Hostile environment for cyclists
.
Cllr Niall Murphy [pictured above], one of four to vote against Cllr Keane’s motion, wants change to happen. “We have heard councilors explain how much they are in favour of cycle lanes and cycling infrastructure," he said. "but the problem is that they only seem to favour them when they are aspirational or when they are plans in a filing cabinet or when they are years away,” Cllr Murphy says.
“Once we are voting on an actual cycle lane with paint and bollards and actual bicycles, then suddenly they are not supporting it.
“The emergency services raised objections – and they are right to raise them. Their role is to be conservative and cautious. But our role as a council is to lead.”
