GALWAY LOSES OUT ON SMARTER TRAVEL COMPETITION

Date Published: 01-Feb-2012

Galway has missed out on smarter travel funding for sustainable transport.

Junior Transport Minister, Alan Kelly, has announced that Limerick, Dungarvan and Westport have been successful in their bids for the combined 23 million euro competition fund.

Minister Kelly says designating these three places as 'Smarter Travel' areas, will reduce congestion and pollution, improve road safety and create jobs.

Galway city and county council had joined together for one bid, while Loughrea had also submitted a proposal.

Minister Kelly said that the bid by the City and County Councils was "highly regarded" and ranked 2nd but a reduction in the Budget for the programme meant it had to be excluded.

However there is some good news for Galway transport projects today.

Galway West T.D, Derek Nolan, has confirmed that the National Transport Authority is providing almost 25 million euro to the City Council through its 'Regional Cities Programme'.

The money will be provided over the next 5 years.