Tuairisc/Reporting Template for Galway City Community Network (GCCN) Reps
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Cruinniú /Name of Meeting Transport SPC IonadaíFPCG (glacadóir - nótaí) Name of GCCF Rep (note-taker) Richard Manton, Derrick Hambleton
Dáta& Suite th Date & Location of Meeting: 19 July 2016, Galway City Council I láthair/ Attendance Councillors: John Walsh (chair), Noel Larkin, Collette Connolly External reps: Richard Manton (community/voluntary), Derrick Hambleton (environment), Chris Coughlan (business/commercial) In Attendance:Jim Molloy, Helena Martyn Príomhphointípléite / Key Issues Discussed: 1. Matters Arising The motion passed at the last SPC meeting (calling for free school transport) was raised by Collette Connolly. Following the adoption of the minutes of the last meeting, this motion will be now considered at the next full council meeting. The issue of parking enforcement was raised by Noel Larkin, drawing particular attention to coach parking on Merchants’ Road. Derrick Hambleton added that improved facilities for coach parking are required. Jim Molloy agreed to circulate a report on coach parking, including the number of spaces available in each location. Members’ attention was drawn to car parking on Forster Street by Collette Connolly, who suggested establishing a ‘drop-off’ zone with a time limit of approximately 15 minutes. Jim Molloy responded that the council will be examining parking bye-laws before the end of this year and will consider this issue.
2. Galway Transport Strategy Update An update on the Galway Transport Strategy was provided by Jim Molloy. While the strategy has yet to be finalised (public consultation ended last week), the GTU has secured funding and intends to progress several of the projects which are detailed in the strategy. These include: Browne Roundabout Bus priority route through UHG to College Road (to be delivered within three years) Bus and cycle lanes from Moneenageisha to Doughiska Parkmore Road Bus shelters (Corrib Park, Tirellan and others on priority list) There are also a number of projects in consultation or progressing Part 8 planning, including the Tuam Road and the Freight Management Plan.
Chris Coughlan highlighted the transport report recently launched by Galway Chamber. The report is based on a survey of workers in Parkmore, Ballybrit and Mervue and is available at www.galwaychamber.com. The report dismisses calls for a bus route across the Quincentennial
Please complete email to [email protected] Bridge and suggests focusing on commuting from towns in the east of the county. Richard Manton questioned the methodology of the survey and called for validation with census data.
Please complete email to [email protected] A lack of zebra crossings across the city was raised by Collette Connolly, who suggested that these are more appropriate than courtesy crossings. Jim Molloy responded that there is a legal obligation for pedestrians to take control of zebra crossings and that this poses issues for people with visual impairments. That said, more zebra crossings will be rolled out as part of the Western Distributor Road upgrade.
On the topic of reimagining public space, and specifically the bus priority route from UHG to College Road, Jim Molloy explained that the GTU will run events during European Mobility Week and Car-free Day (16-22 September). Initial plans include closing sections of Eglinton Street, Eyre Square and Forster Street to private car traffic as a trial for the bus priority route.
Parking restrictions on Shop Street / Quay Street during delivery times were raised by Collette Connolly. She called for the introduction of permits to stop private cars from blocking deliveries to business. Jim Molloy agreed to examine this issues as part of the review of parking bye-laws later this year.
3. AOB Noel Larkin questioned the frequency of trains servicing the Oranmore train station, pointing out that only Limerick-bound trains used the station. He called for a greater level of service to enable commuter use of the station. Derrick Hambleton called for the twinning of the rail line to Athenry to facilitate commuters and freight.
A brief report was provided on the events funded during Bike Week. Richard Manton raised the expansion of the bike share scheme, in the context of the European Green Leaf success, and progress on speed reduction in estates. Jim Molloy responded that funding is with the NTA for seven further stations - while Salthill will not be included, extension in that direction will hopefully follow. Jim Molloy also outlined progress on speed reduction in estates which will go to public consultation in August and will focus on the city centre, Renmore and Claddagh.
Socruithedéanta/ Key Decisions Made:
Report on coach parking to be circulated Review of parking bye-laws to be conducted later this year
Gníomhaíochtaí Action(s) required from GCCN: n/a
Dáta don chéadchruinniúeile th Date of next meeting : Tuesday, 18 October Moltaíbreise /Any Other Comments: n/a
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