Park & Ride from GMIT to ease Stadium traffic crux

 The GAA has reached an agreement to run a Park & Ride service from GMIT to Pearse Stadium in Salthill on big match days, and has entered talks with other landowners to expand the service.

 And the County Board has ‘tweaked’ hugely controversial proposals for erecting floodlights at the stadium – ignoring the City Council’s advice to completely rethink their plans.

Last week, the GAA responded to a series of concerns raised by the Council last June – when a whole series of reports were demanded because of a deficit of information.

The application has already met with huge opposition from local residents – it’s the third time the GAA has sought permission for floodlights.

Two previous applications were withdrawn, one amid controversy following an investigation into an alleged forged Garda signature.

The latest application is for three 30.5 metre high columns and two 36.5m high columns, each of which will have between 33 and 40 lighting fixtures.

The GAA told planners this week that careful consideration has already been given to the proposed floodlighting, which included assessing and reducing previously applications.

They said a further full assessment has been undertaken of the current application, and there has been a recalibration of the lights, so that light spill will be reduced.

Park & Ride facilities are also being assessed by the County Board.

“Although the Park & Ride facility at Galway Airport may not be available to the GAA any longer, they [GAA] are confident that they can secure other Park & Ride facilities in the city and suburbs to help minimise and reduce traffic congestion during GAA match day events.

“In this regard, they have secured agreement with GMIT (800 spaces) and are confident that they will be successful in securing other alternative Park & Ride facilities in the coming months,” the application reads.

The GAA has also entered discussions with the Galway Races Committee, NUI Galway, Galway Airport and the owners of the Oranmore Commercial Park with a view to expanding the Park & Ride service.

They also warned that unless the lights are approved, Galway will lose a potential venue for the Rugby World Cup in 2023 if the IRFU’s bid to host it is successful.

Read more in today’s Connacht Sentinel