Pedestrian areas of Galway city could be increased by 7,500sq metres in the city centre, while speed limits could be reduced to 30kph as part of ambitious new proposals which seek to reduce car use by 15 per cent by 2014.
The Galway city and county councils have made a joint submission to the Government’s Smarter Travel Policy, which seeks to achieve sustainable transport systems and practices for Ireland.
The council’s submission seeks €25 million in funding to carry out a series of infrastructural projects for the Galway Metropolitan Area (Galway city, Bearna, Oranmore, and Baile Chlair ) with a view to increasing the numbers of walkers, cyclists, and public transport users.
The submission proposes the rollout of 15km of new bus corridors; 30km of premium greenways (cycle and walkway ) infrastructure; the development of a new transport hub in Garraun, Oranmore; an extension of the pedestrian realm in the Galway city centre by 7,500sq metres, and a reduction of speed limits to 30kph in key city centre areas excluding critical public transport corridors.
If funding is secured the GMA will become one of four possible nationally designated Smarter Travel demonstration areas and will be allocated significant funding to induce a shift from car use towards more sustainable methods of travel.
Other objectives underpinning the funding application are increased enforcement of existing traffic control measures; implementation of a new PR programme aimed at increasing cycling, walking, car pooling, and public transport; prioritisation of workplace planning and personalised travel planning; facilities for pedestrians and cyclists at roundabouts; development of new city centre bike training parks; new programmes to increase driver and cyclist education; and a reduction of school journeys by private car by 30 per cent.
“The targets and actions contained in this plan stem directly from the research and analysis undertaken and from the contributions, suggestions, and inputs from a broad range of key stakeholders including members of the public,” said Joe Tansey, head of the Galway Transportation Unit.
The bid for funding was recently submitted to the Department of Transport and a decision on the application is expected in the coming weeks.
