Traffic is stealing days of our lives each year in Galway, local representatives of People Before Profit have declared.
Their statement comes following the release of the 2023 INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard, in late June 2024. This latest report showcases Galway falling further from 17th to 14th in the EU City rankings, with 2023 drivers losing over 73 hours per person due to congestion each year. This puts Galwegians ahead of Dubliners for time lost due to traffic each year. Galway was ranked 37th for congestion compared to its population, putting it firmly in the worst 4% of cities worldwide analysed for this report.
Speaking on the traffic woes experienced in Galway city, Adrian Curran of People Before Profit expanded his thoughts on the report. “Unfortunately, no one in Galway will be surprised to learn that we have a traffic and congestion issue,” he stated. “The data shows that people who commute in Galway are losing over 3 days a year sitting in traffic. This is not just wasted time, but fuel and emissions - things we should be drastically reducing the use and production of.”
Maisie McMaster of Galway City East said that there are multiple ways people can help reduce traffic in Galway City.
“Properly funded free-and-frequent public transport can aid in reducing people’s need to drive, or even own, a private car. School communities should examine the feasibility of cycle buses or be funded to provide a bus service for all students.
“Cycle buses need additional infrastructure to ensure children are safe and independent in getting themselves to school, where possible. More broadly, we need to enact a four day work week, with no loss of pay, for Galway workers.
“This has multiple benefits including less traffic in the mornings, lower emissions produced, less road damage, gives parents a day they don’t have to rush to work after the school run.
On the proposed bypass as a solution for Galway traffic concerns, Denman Rooke for Galway City East explained that People Before Profit Galway have not endorsed the construction of the Galway ring road.
“For the projected cost of the bypass, we could cover free public transport in Ireland. That projected cost is also subject to rise further, as material and fuel costs continue to increase worldwide.
“We would much rather see a feasibility study for a Galway Light Rail option completed as soon as possible and measures taken to reduce traffic into and across Galway, rather than facilitate it further by inducing demand through a new road — a new road shown in it’s own reports to increase travel times in many areas of the city.
“We should be working towards fewer new roads, fewer cars on the road, fewer emissions, and fewer hours spent in our cars,” he concluded.
