A proposal that Eglinton Street be transformed into a shared surface for buses, cyclists and pedestrians only was placed before the City Council by Cllr MJ Crowe.
Cllr Crowe was the lead campaigner in the recent decision to introduce change mobility measures in Middle Street.
He said this resulted in the balance of space on the street redressed giving pedestrians more priority. This development will create an area with quality space reducing the vehicular dominance and upgrading the quality of the physical surrounds.
“The overriding aim in such cases is to improve the balance of pedestrian and vehicular spaces through the creation of pedestrian priority or shared surface. It was not possible to make this street fully pedestrianised, so this was the best outcome for all.
“I believe and have been campaigning for greater pedestrianisation within the city centre for some time now. The Middle Street change is very welcome. Last week, I put down a motion to Galway City Council seeking a similar development on Eglinton Street. I am off the opinion that we can regenerate this street, put fresh life into it by removing private cars. We need to extend pedestrianisation in the heart of the city and the most effective way to do this presently is via the shared surface model.
“This will allow buses, cyclists and pedestrians use the street but not cars. It would also greatly benefit businesses on the street and a licence could be issued to them allowing them to use a certain amount of the apace outside their premises. Outdoor space has become an absolute requirement for the public. People want the option to be outside whether dining, eating, or buying clothes. It is possible to make changes along Eglinton Street to do exactly this,” said Cllr Crowe.
“And with Eglinton Street just off Shop Street at the top end and Middle Street just off Shop Street at the bottom, these changes will add further value to the enjoyment of walking down the spine of the city by taking pressure of this confined space, allowing people a bigger space to enjoy.”
“It is imperative that we make this change as it will be to the benefit of all people in Galway. And what is very important is that it will benefit businesses giving them an option of utilising some outdoor space and maintaining their current employee numbers and I think, in time growing their workforce. It is what I would describe as a win-win-win and I hope my fellow Councillors and the executive support this proposal” concluded Cllr Crowe.
