Galway City Council backs plan for pedestrian and cycle access between estates

Improved permeability – namely better pedestrian and cycle access between adjoining city estates and neighbourhoods – is to be included as part of the next Galway City Development Plan.

Councillors voted in favour of a submission to the plan by the Galway Cycling Campaign to improve the movement of pedestrians and cyclists in district centres, neighbourhoods and schools.

Green Party councillor, Niall Murphy – who proposed the adoption of the motion – said that this was all about having the shortest distance between two points for both pedestrians and cyclists.

“If we want to be serious about the 15-minute city concept, where access to basic services such as shops is convenient for both pedestrians and cyclists, then this is something we must actively encourage,” said Cllr Murphy.

Cllr Martina O’Connor (Greens) said that in the past, she had experience of pushing buggies along roads when far more direct and shorter routes could have been made available.

“We need to ensure that these routes for pedestrians and cyclists are opened up – it can make such a difference to an awful lot of people,” said Cllr O’Connor.

According to Cllr Colette Connolly (Ind), no one wanted to be walking an extra half-kilometre when a far more direct link could be provided. “It is absolutely essential that we improve permeability in our city,” she said.

However, Cllr Eddie Hoare (FG) said that such solutions weren’t always practical and that the concerns of residents should also be taken into account.

Cllr Terry O’Flaherty (Ind) said that she wouldn’t like to see the Council reverting back to a situation whereby lanes and alleyways would end up as locations for anti-social behaviour.

Councillors passed a motion on a vote of 11-4 to evaluate permeability in district centres, neighbourhood centres and schools in the context of the ’15 Minute City Concept’ (where most services can be accessed by cyclists/pedestrians within a 15-minute time range).

The motion also proposed to identify obstacles which impaired direct and convenient access to services and amenities at these centres for pedestrians and cyclists.