‘Bridge that Gap’ is a new community based jobs initiative being promoted by local election candidate Martina Kinane in the Oranmore/Clarinbridge area. The idea is that locally based talent will be matched with the personnel requirements of prospective employers based in both the local and wider Galway area.
Sponsorship for this pilot project has already been secured from five employers in Galway city. The project will primarily be internet based and offers a human resource solution for both employers and prospective employees covering all skill sets including technology, tradespeople, childcare, and office jobs. In addition, local communities and sporting clubs can aspire to keeping some of their youth employed at home.
The local election candidate has also branded Iarnrod Eireann disgraceful for its decision not to proceed with the construction of a bridge to replace the open gates at the level crossing at Mountain West in Oranmore, where Kinane firmly believes a fatality could occur.
Following her representations, she received a letter from Iarnrod Eireann stating that due to financial restrictions there are currently no plans to proceed with the bridge project. Ms Kinane stated this week that it was most disappointing that Iarnrod Eireann has again reneged on a promise to carry out this most urgent project.
“I could not believe how dangerous this location is, where there are open gates on one of the busiest railway lines in the country,” she said. “There are 10 houses beside the railway line and children can walk on to the line which is totally unprotected due to the gates being left open on a continuous basis.”
What I find difficult to understand is that money was provided some years ago and the land has been purchased, but when the pressure is off, Iarnrod Eireann and CIE seem to put the project on the long figure,” added Kinane. “I will make this railway crossing my priority on Galway County Council and I will lead the local community in keeping sustained pressure on Iarnrod Eireann until we get a timescale for this work. Unfortunately this is an accident waiting to happen.”
Martina Kinane concluded by saying: “God forbid, if there was another fatal accident at Mountain West, work would start very quickly. Let’s not put that price on the job.”
