“The money and skills are there, now we need action” — so said Green Party Senator Pauline O’Reilly last night when she revealed that both Galway City Council and Galway County Council have underspent the money allocated to them for groundbreaking cycling and walking projects.
She made the comments during a call on both Galway Councils and their councillors to use unspent funding for cycling routes and pedestrian access urgently. Senator O’Reilly has given a deadline of Septembe 7 for the councils to put forward new quick projects to Minister Eamon Ryan, which are called ‘Pathfinder’ projects.
“I would be happy to work with the Councils and the public to push forward projects, but the Councillors must start backing proposals,” she said.
Figures released by the National Transport Authority (NTA ) have revealed that Galway County Council did not avail of all of the funding made available to it by Green Party Minister Eamon Ryan’s department and the National Transport Authority for walking and cycling infrastructure in 2021.
“In Galway city our local authority was allocated €11.865 million for walking and cycling projects for the year 2021,” said Sen O’Reilly.
“However, according to figures released by the NTA, only €5,571,513 of this was spent.
“In the County the difference is not as stark, however my concern is that not enough funding is being sought. €6,193,000 was allocated, and only €4,547,001 was drawn down. Councillors in Galway need to do better for our community.
“It is understandable that the significant increase in funding since 2019 requires increased capacity, and there have been many additional challenges for our local authorities during Covid. However, separate to this funding, additional funding has also been provided for new roles, dedicated to local walking and cycling projects and we need to start seeing faster progress.”
“As a result of decades prioritising cars in Ireland, many people in both rural and urban areas feel they have no option but to drive, even for short journeys. Since being in Government, the Green Party has been addressing this by delivering record increases in investment in walking and cycling projects, jumping from €45m in 2019 to €289m nationally in 2022. These projects include new and improved pathways, cycleways, safe routes to schools and lighting.
“There is €7,785,000 allocated for Galway County Council and the same for the City in 2022. The money and the skills are there, now we need action. I’m asking the public to call on your local councillors, across every party, to demand safer paths and cycleways outside your homes, your schools, your places of work, to help create a safer and more liveable community. It’s time to put people first. I know many are already doing this. Public representatives need to step up to the mark.
“The transport sector represents approximately 18% of Ireland’s carbon emissions nationally, with road transport and private car usage carrying the most significant carbon footprint. Research indicates that an increase in walking and cycling could significantly reduce car use,” she concluded.
