Sorting commuters is critical

By Ellen O’Donoghue

The election issues on Connemara’s doorsteps are the same as everywhere else – except their impact is multiplied because of the region’s peripherality.

There have been benefits over the last couple of years; improvements to infrastructure have been welcomed – and better broadband services have helped local development bring many businesses back to the area.

But all sides agree that the roads beyond the city still need vast improvement to facilitate daily commuters to the city, with traffic at a standstill during rush hour.

Public transport is also a key issue for the electorate in the west Galway area; recent timetable changes to the 424 bus route from Lettermullen to Galway have caused controversy, with locals calling for a more regular service, operating on a daily basis.

Residents are also hoping to see an extension of the Connemara greenway to Barna as the R336, which they argue is too dangerous for cyclists to use and when they do, they must cycle on the roads alongside the cars, slowing traffic and infuriating drivers.

Two local representatives – neither running for the Dáil – shared the concerns of those who work on the land.

Local councilor Tomás Ó Curraoin admitted he was afraid of the area ‘losing its identity’ because of the restrictions on turf cutting and cattle farming.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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