Galway Transportation Unit Outlines Its Targets for 2009
04 February 2009
On Friday January 30, 2009 Galway Transportation Unit (GTU), outlined its plans, expected results and targets, which it aims to achieve prior to the end of December 2009. The programme of work presents a comprehensive range of proposals in relation to infrastructural works, transport initiatives, plans underway and policy developments combined with measures to assess progress over time. Analysis of this programme highlights areas requiring significant catch up, due to the lack of transportation investment in recent years, coupled with the accelerated pace of development in Galway City and the County towns such as Athenry, Oranmore, Tuam, Gort and Loughrea.
Commenting on this years programme, Head of Galway Transportation Unit, Joe Tansey stated that:“ with our team of transport planning and traffic management specialists, Galway City Council has an excellent opportunity to address critical areas, which over time will reduce traffic congestion in the City.” Joe Tansey added that at this time of economic uncertainty, Galway City Council will be liasing with key decision-makers aimed at ensuring that funding which is essential to the long term sustainable development of Galway is secured in order to achieve the objectives set for this new unit.
What GTU aims to achieve before December 31, 2009
The following actions present a snapshot of some of the key actions, which the GTU team aims to achieve by December 2009 in order to ensure that Galway has the necessary transport infrastructure and services to support it’s continued growth and development given its designated regional gateway status.
Progressing Galway City Outer Bypass (GCOB)
To progress the GCOB, Galway Transportation Unit will: (i) advance measures, aimed at contributing to the delivery of the GCOB, which will link the approved section of the GCOB with the Barna/Furbo coast on the R336 (ii) assess if N6 signage scheme is appropriate for directing traffic, (iii) develop a traffic management plan to facilitate the rollout of phase 1 of the GCOB and (iv) develop a strategy for the future use of roads i.e. declassified National Roads following the construction of the GCOB.
Park and Ride Initiatives
Building on the success of the Christmas 2008 Park and Ride which carried more than 18,000 passengers return to the City Centre over a three week period, Galway Transportation Unit aims to organise a Park and Ride service for the period of the Volvo Race and pilot a Park and Ride service catering for commuters travelling to Galway City from the N17 in September 2009. In addition, the GTU team will conduct a pre-Christmas Park and Ride service in December 2009 and will work to fastrack the design, planning and provision of Park and Ride schemes at strategic locations on approach roads to the city, in line with the recommendations of the Public Transport Feasibility Study.
Implementing Galway Strategic Bus Study
Some of the numerous actions, which the GTU team aim to complete by December 31, 2009 include progressing the rollout of the Dublin Road Quality Bus Corridor (QBC), completing the design of the Monivea Road QBC and the upgrading works proposed for the Monivea Road/Joyce’s Road Junction. Whilst, also completing the design of the City Centre QBC.
Additional actions include the preparation, design and commencement of the development of a new public transport corridor from the Dublin Road to Doughiska and Ardaun, through HSE lands at Merlin Park and progression of the design proposed for the Public Transport Corridor along the railway line between the City Centre and Doughiska / Roscam on foot of the recommendations of the Public Transport Feasibility Study. In addition, staff in the Galway Transportation Unit will progress recommendations proposed for Galway Cathedral terminus stemming from Galway Strategic Bus Study and Public Transportation Feasibility Study. Critically, the GTU team project that work on the upgrading of the Seamus Quirke Road will commence this year, which in total will involve an investment of €14million.
This year will also see the rollout of a pilot Urban Traffic Control System for the Dublin Road and the provision of bus shelters capable of incorporating future integrated ticketing and future real-time scheduling on one East and one West route in 2009.
Public Transport Feasibility Study
The findings of the Public Transport Feasibility Study addressing Light Rail and Bus Rapid Transit will be completed by May 2009 and the GTU team aim to progress its recommendations this year subject to funding availability.
Other Key Actions for 2009
The GTU team will be working to support the Integrated Transportation Coordinating Group, Galway City Development Board to deliver integrated transport services for Galway such as the rollout of Mobility Management Plans amongst key employers in the City.
The GTU team will undertake a strategy for the development and promotion of cycling and walking in the City, which will be timely given the current preparations underway in relation to the new City Development Plan. In addition, GTU will be working to improve cycling infrastructure in the City through the use of bus lanes, cycle schemes, provision of cycle lanes and rollout of cycle parking facilities.
To strengthen communication with the public a new Galway Transportation Unit website is currently underdevelopment, which will detail all information relevant to transportation to from and within Galway City. In addition, staff from the GTU will be collaborating with relevant stakeholders to promote the provision of improved timetable information on all bus stops, develop attractive ticket packages, brand corridors, provide telephone, internet and mobile phone information services and conduct marketing campaigns in targeted areas so as to promote improved customer service.
Significantly, in order to asses its progress over time, this year will see commencement of the first annual survey of transport and traffic indicators for Galway City, which GTU staff have scheduled to take place in November 2009.
For further information please contact:
Cathy Joyce
Galway Transportation Unit
Galway City Council
Tel: (091) 894332
Email: cathy.joyce@galwaycity.ie
