I took this photo in Cork city a few months ago and deeply regret
that no similar scene exists in Galway city.
But it was agreed twenty years ago that such a cityscape would
be part of the fabric of our own city.
In 2002, the “Strategy
for Economic, Social and Cultural Development 2002-2012” for Galway City was
published after two years of deliberations and discussions by the Galway City Development
Board which grew out of EU and national directives to reinvigorate local government
in Ireland. It comprised all of the major stakeholders of the city including
Galway City Council, the community and voluntary sector, IDA, Chamber of
Commerce, health board, state agencies, education bodies, trades unions, the Western
Development Commission, An Garda Síochana, Ireland West Tourism, Galway City
Partnership and Údáras na Gaeltachta whose Vision was to have a Galway that was
‘Inclusive, Progressive, Historic, Sustainable, Accessible, Equitable, Creative
and People-centred’. I was a member of that collaborative board in my capacity as
a community forum (now GCCN) representative. One of its key objectives was to “Develop
a Safe Citywide Pedestrian-friendly, Cyclist-friendly, Disability and Child-friendly
infrastructure” with an agreement to “explore the feasibility of having a sustainable
integrated transport infrastructure based on the following hierarchy: 1. Pedestrians.
2. Cycling 3. Public transport 4. Private motor car.” It was also agreed to
review the possibility of having a light rail system into and around the city.
There was a shared sense of positivity, respect and a belief that we together could
create something really special.
Much progress was undertaken in the early years towards achieving
the Strategy’s goals. But in the last decade as more and more cities across the
world enthusiastically reimagined their cities where walking, cycling and public
transport were prioritised, we still seem to have an outdated health-damaging greenhouse
gas emitting car-centric culture. The recent furore about the temporary Salthill
cycleway is understandable as it is a prime example of Hobson’s Choice with both
options in their present form not coming up with viable solutions and causing in
the process serious problems to pedestrians, cyclists, bus users and disabled parking permit holders. Galway
City Council could and should have done better and consulted more in advance
before coming up with these alternatives that are pitting good people against good
people. The taxpayers and citizens of this great city deserve better from our
public servants. The so-called third option of ‘no change’ is though unacceptable
as the present situation represents a serious barrier to creating a healthy
sustainable future for our increasingly urbanised world. In spite of a myriad
of attractive facilities such as Galway Atlantaquaria, Quincentenary/Circle of
Life Park, Salthill Park, large children’s playground, fine pubs and restaurants
as well as possessing one of the most famous scenic seascape views on the
planet, Salthill needs a major revamp in order to reclaim its status as the
country’s leading seaside resort both for locals and tourists alike.
Making the locality walking and cycling-friendly is fundamental
to this transformation. I have taken part in all of last year’s Galway Urban
Greenway Community mass cycles to Salthill involving people of all ages and have
seen how these events have made the ambiance of the area more relaxed and more
family-friendly.
On the other hand, I was working last weekend in Salthill and
the contrast to the cycling days could not have been more starker. Over much of last
Saturday and Sunday it was bumper-to-bumper traffic belching out smoky toxic fumes
with the harsh noises of cars revving a constant unwelcome disturbance.
Therefore I am making a submission to City Hall this week supporting
Option 2 that includes a two way cycle lane on the Prom with two way vehicular traffic
along the R336 (from the Grattan Road Junction to the Pollnarooma West
Junction) but with the proviso of supporting disabled parking at Ladies Beach,
and a pedestrian and a bus flow. A properly planned two way cycleway in Salthill
can become part of the promised safe citywide pedestrian and cycling infrastructure
that we have waited decades for. 2022 is the year that Galway has to redirect
its transport infrastructure towards pedestrians, cyclists and mass public
transport. There is no future otherwise.
May I use the opportunity of #WorldEnvironmentDay
to thank the thousands upon thousands of volunteers of all ages who
have since March 2000 planted multiple tens of thousands of native trees
and flowers in Terryland Forest Park. All of these wonderful people
have helped create a Temperate Rainforest in the heart of an Irish city
and have left a unique legacy for future generations to benefit from.
Their battle to tackle the Climate and Biodiversity Crises has been going on for a quarter of a century!
