The Oranmore School Streets scheme will be progressed on a phased basis it has been confirmed by the Galway County Council.
The scheme which aims to address the growing congestion within the village via a park and stride initiative which brings parents to all the shopping centre car parks instead of directly into the village, follows a successful rollout of the similar programme at St Oliver Plunkett’s School in Malahide, County Dublin.
At September's Athenry-Oranmore municipal district meeting, Fianna Fáil councillor Shelly Herterich-Quinn called for the road department of the local authority to fully implement the initiative, however, county officials told Tuesday afternoon's meeting that it would approach the scheme in phases so that all stakeholders could have consultation in the process.
The response read; “Galway County Council are satisfied for the proposed School Streets scheme in Oranmore to be progressed on a phased basis and have already committed to works to progress the scheme. The local community group have already indicated that there is a broad consensus of support for this scheme and have nominated agreed parking locations within walking distance of the school that are on board with the scheme.
"The walking element 'walking bus' phase of the scheme can progress as there is complete footpath connectivity to the schools. By progressing this element, the take up of the scheme can be analysed and if there is a warrant to progress the scheme further.
"The required consultation process, progression of the cycling element, consultation with all stakeholders, road closure process can also be considered if there is agreement with all parties and the necessary resources to implement and operate the scheme are made available.”
