Public consultation on future transport investment in Galway

Galway Bay Fm newsroom - Public views are being sought about investment in land transport in Galway and other counties. Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe has (15/8) published a draft strategic framework for transport investment. The draft framework was drawn up by a steering group to set out priorities for future transport investment decisions. The findings will contribute to capital funding decisions. The draft document states that Galway, along with Dublin, Cork and Limerick have seen levels of inward commuting increase between 2006 and 2011. In terms of the economic impact of investing in transport projects, the document reveals that Athlone has become a shopping destination for residents of East Galway. The needs of urban centres such as Galway are highlighted in the report. Galway, Dublin and Cork accounted for 82 per cent of employment in new foreign firms between 2007 and 2011. Development of better public transport to meet customer needs is specifically highlighted, as is the need for completion of the outer city bypass. The National Road Authority's national transport model has also been used to assess our existing transport system. It shows that there are significant sections of corridor around Galway where the level of service is already at forced or breakdown flow. Looking to the future in terms of traffic volumes in Galway up to 2040, it shows a deterioration in volume/capacity ratios from around 50 per cent to 60 per cent on the N59, N17 and N18.