Councillor Helen Ogbu, Labour’s candidate in Galway West, has called for urgent action to tackle Galway’s worsening traffic crisis, urging Government to begin immediate planning for a Galway light rail system and deliver a public transport network that works for workers, students and families.
“Anyone who lives or works in Galway knows that gridlock is now a daily reality. It is one of the most congested cities in Europe,” she said.
“It is costing families time together, putting pressure on workers and businesses, and damaging our environment. Labour has a clear vision for Galway to be the best place in Ireland to live, work and raise a family, but that vision cannot become a reality while our city is at a standstill.
“We support progressing the Ring Road, we welcome the recent planning decision from An Coimisiún Pleanála , but let us be honest. The Ring Road is not a silver bullet. It will not solve the deep structural problems in our transport system. We need to do much more and we need to do it now,” she added.
“For workers, students, and families, better public transport means something simple but essential: affordable, accessible ways to get to work, to college, and to services. For our environment, it means fewer emissions and cleaner air. That is why investment in public transport must be at the centre of how we tackle Galway’s gridlock.
“To start, we must prioritise bus transport. The BusConnects project for Galway must move ahead without delay. It will deliver enhanced frequency, serve new areas and make bus travel more attractive and reliable. People will use public transport when it is frequent, affordable and dependable. We must also increase the frequency of Local Link services so that rural communities are not left behind and are properly connected to the city.
“But we also need ambition. Cork has just received approval for light rail. Galway must be next. The introduction of a light rail system, a Galway Luas, is about building a city that works for everyone,” added Cllr Ogbu.
“I believe public transport should work for everyone, not just a few. A Galway Luas would transform how people move around our city and how our city grows. Planning needs to start now.
“Galway’s gridlock crisis did not happen overnight, but it will not be solved by delay or drift. We need bold decisions and sustained investment. We need to end the gridlock in Galway once and for all by delivering the public transport system our city deserves. The time for talk is over. Planning for a Galway Luas must begin now,” she concluded.
