Galway Bay FM News Archives
Business fury as axing of roundabouts set to begin
Date Published: 16-Jun-2011
BY CIARAN TIERNEY
City officials are moving quickly to convert the Briarhill roundabout into a junction with traffic lights despite uproar from the business community over a move which they fear will discourage motorists from visiting the city.
Councillors voted 10-5 in favour of the divisive plan – said to be the most controversial to come before the City Council in almost a decade – at Monday night’s local authority meeting and officials had advertised the tender for work by Tuesday morning.
The transformation of the Lynch roundabout is the first of six planned changeovers on the N6 from one side of the city to the other which officials intend to bring before the local authority in the coming months.
Members of the public expressed firm opposition to the plans during a public meeting two weeks ago and businesses have reacted with a mixture of “anger and disbelief” to Monday’s vote, according to the Galway Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Retailers have already claimed that lengthy delays at the lighted junction at Moneenageisha, which was converted from a roundabout two ago, are forcing people to stay away from the city centre.
The Chamber has claimed that the Council has not provided enough “compelling reasons” for the changeover of the Briarhill roundabout at this time.
The President of the Chamber, Carmel Brennan, said she believed the proposals would be detrimental to the economic wellbeing of the city at this time.
Mayor of Galway, Michael Crowe (FF), said yesterday that the changeover of six roundabouts to traffic light junction was the most contentious issue he had dealt with during two terms on the City Council.
“What we did this week was a brave political decision,” he said. “The Chamber of Commerce have their job to do and I have mine. Motorists also have to consider the needs of other road users, including cyclists and pedestrians. If somebody wants to cross the road at any of these roundabouts at the moment, they are risking their lives.”
For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
Galway has a population of young people which is more than twice the national average.
According to information gathered by the Central Statistics Office, Galway’s population of 20 to 24 year olds is more than twice the national average.
The number of 25-34 year olds in Galway is also more than the norm nationally, with the two main colleges thought to be the main reason.
However immigration in Galway is much higher than in other areas at 19.4 percent, compared to the national average of 12 percent.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A city councillor is encouraging people to donate goods directly to charity shops.
It follows allegations of thefts from clothes banks in Galway and across the country in recent months.
However, cameras are in place at some clothes banks and surveillance is carried out by local authorities.
Speaking on Galway Talks, Councillor Neil McNeilis said the problem of theft from clothes banks is widespread.
Date Published: 07-May-2013
A park ‘n’ ride scheme from Carnmore into Galway city could become a permanent service if there is public demand.
That’s according to the Chief Executive of Galway Chamber of Commerce, Michael Coyle.
The pilot scheme will begin at 7.20 next Monday morning, May 13th.
Motorists will be able to park cars at the airport carpark in Carnmore and avail of a bus transfer to Forster Street in the city.
Buses will depart every 20 minutes at peak times and every 30 minutes at offpeak times throughout the day, at a cost of 2 euro per journey.
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