Only a signed petition from the people, and broader support from the business community and the Chamber of Commerce, will see a light rail network developed in Galway city.
This is the view of Independent Galway West TD Catherine Connolly, who believes there is a light rail, or GLUAS system for Galway, can be delivered. This follows a recent Dáíl exchange between her and Transport Minister Shane Ross, where the Minister said that if there is a demand for, and if a strong business case can be made, he would be willing to consider the provision of a light rail system for the city.
As a result, Dep Connolly is now calling on the public and businesses to support the calls for a GLUAS system. “The next step in the process is to rise to that challenge and confirm that Galway needs and wants light rail,” she said. She is now calling for a “signed petition from the people of Galway”, and for the business community and the Chamber of Commerce to suport GLUAS.
The TD argues that light rail is the most sustainable way to deal with the city’s “ongoing traffic problems”, especially as Galway is destined to grow to 124,000 in the next number of years. “It makes absolute sense to plan for an integrated and sustainable public transport system now to cater for the population increase, the growing number of tourists, and students,” she said.
Dep Connolly said that in addition to GLUAS, park and ride facilities in the east and west sides of the city; additional school transport facilities; improvement to cycling facilities; and the opening of direct bus routes across the Quincentenial Bridge, were essential.
