Call for Galway to be given ‘Green City’ status

A local TD has called on the Government to take immediate and meaningful action on climate change by making Galway a pilot for ‘Green City’ status.

Independent Deputy Catherine Connolly said the Government should choose Galway as “a special project” which could be used as a “blueprint for other cities in relation to climate [change] mitigation measures”.

Galway is one of five cities in the National Planning Framework identified as having the potential to grow by 50 per cent – with a population of 120,000 people – by 2040, said Deputy Connolly.

“While this growth is very welcome, most of the development will be in the footprint of the city [and so] a comprehensive plan is urgently needed to allow for this development to proceed in a sustainable way,” added the TD for Galway West.

Deputy Connolly said that despite its beauty and prosperity, Galway has suffered as a result of traffic congestion, a housing crisis and “piecemeal development” – something she believed was not in the interest of the common good.

She said by proceeding with more sustainable planning policies, the city could become a leader in reversing the country’s continued failure to meet emission targets.

“Indeed, what is noteworthy about Galway is that we have enormous banks of land including 14 acres at Ceannt Station, a substantial land bank at the Docks, the Dyke Road and 150 acres owned jointly between the city and county on the old airport site.

“The missing link is the vision and leadership to deliver on these commitments in a sustainable way. We also have a railway station in the centre of the city and two further stations at Oranmore and Athenry with huge potential for lifting traffic off the road,” said Deputy Connolly.

According to Deputy Connolly, the people of Ireland are far ahead of the Government on climate action – citing the Citizens’ Assembly recommendation that public transport be given priority over new roads and that the provision of cycle and bus lanes be given priority.

“Such is the recognition amongst the public of the immediacy of the problem, schoolchildren around the country, as part of a global movement, have now taken to the street, with the most recent protest last Friday,” she said, adding that over 22,000 Galwegians also signed her petition calling on the Government to carry out a feasibility study on light rail for Galway.

Last week, Deputy Connolly appealed to the Tánaiste, Simon Coveney (FG), to stop paying lip service and to take action.

“In this regard, Galway presents a wonderful opportunity for the Government to enable them to take the first practical and meaningful initiative with our city.

“We have the land, we have the commitment of the people – all that’s needed is for the Government to act and to choose Galway as a ‘Green City’ project,” said Deputy Connolly.

This campaign, led by a coalition of local doctors, businesses, teachers, students, scientists, technologists, artists, community activists, politicians, urban farmers heritage enthusiasts, waterways activists and environmentalists, seeks to change the way the city’s natural environment is viewed.