Transport Strategy includes high-frequency ‘Luas on rubber’

Radical proposals for an overhaul of the city’s transport infrastructure have been drawn up as part of the €250 million Galway Transport Strategy unveiled this week.

The draft strategy – which will go on public display in the coming weeks – maps out plans to deal with Galway’s chronic traffic congestion over the next 20 years.

The €100,000 document – funded by the National Transport Authority – found an over-reliance on private vehicles, with 60% of the population driving in a car or van. A further 23% travel of foot; 5% by bicycle; 8% by bus or coach and less than 1% by train

The plans include a new car-free ‘Cross City Link’ – a route from University Road, across the Salmon Weir Bridge, Eglinton Street, Eyre Square and on to College Road, which will only be used by public transport, cyclists and pedestrians.

‘Orbital’ routes will also be introduced via Quincentenary Bridge and Wolfe Tone Bridge so the city centre can be by-passed.

There are also four Park & Ride stations proposed – in Ballybrit, Dangan, west of Knocknacarra and near Oranmore.

Bus routes will be consolidated to five high-frequency cross-city routes, which has been dubbed the ‘Luas on rubber’ by the Council’s Chief Executive, Brendan McGrath.

In this week’s Galway City Tribune, we publish extensive details of the new proposals