Despite the recession, those behind the GLUAS light rail system for Galway city believe the current economic climate is actually favourable to the project.
The GLUAS system is being spearheaded by the Galway City Business Association and its members feel such a system could carry c12,000 passengers daily on its two city routes at an average of €2.50 per journey.
A 21km network of three lines with 64 stations serving the east and west of the city for a cost of €200m is the proposal being put forward to the upcoming feasibility study, being undertaken by the Galway City Council.
It is understood that this is significantly fewer than the Luas system in Dublin due to the new engineering technology being proposed for the less invasive track.
Despite the fact that Ireland is in recession, the GCBA feels the economic climate is favourable as land banks required for the park and ride sites and depots are now more readily available.
Also, with the success of the National Toll Roads and other transport projects, in particular the Luas, its backers say GLUAS is an attractive option for investors.
GLUAS chair Brendan Holland said previous transport history in Ireland is on their side.
“It was back in the tough time of the 1980s when Monsignor Horan opened an airport in Knock when no one thought it was possible,” he said. “Just last year, Knock airport reported record passengers and is a major asset to the west of Ireland”.
Holland says Galway needs the GLUAS to help solve traffic problems and to make the city competitive and attractive for future investors.
The GLUAS group are looking for members of the business community, the academic community, statutory and voluntary community, indeed every member of the general public to endorse the GLUAS project.
This can be done by going to www.gluas.com where supporters can add their names.
