Two sharply conflicting views have emerged this week of a GLUAS light rail system for the city – one of an efficient, pollution free transport system, the other of a monstrous white elephant project that would cripple the town.
UK light rail company, Tram Power, who back the GLUAS project for Galway, say that the project is sustainable, practical, pollution reducing and will be supported by the people of the city.
However, according to city councillor and businessman, Noel Larkin, a similar type light rail project in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, has been branded an unmitigated disaster.
“It [the Edinburgh light rail project] took twice as long to complete as projected, cost three times as much as originally planned, and delivered only half of the line promised,” said Cllr. Larkin.
According to Tram Power, the adoption of the GLUAS system would bring many benefits to the people of Galway ‘including not having to demolish any houses or other buildings’ – a reference to the construction of the city bypass route.
“The GLUAS scheme is the only one on the table that is sustainable, will reduce congestion, will reduce toxic pollution and CO2 emissions, is fully accessible, will help strengthen the city centre and is supported by 80% of Galway people,” say Tram Power.
Cllr Noel Larkin said that during the light rail project in Edinburgh, vital roads in the city centre were closed, causing major congestion, inconvenience and financial damage to businesses over a five year period.
For more on GLUAS, see this week’s Galway City Tribune
The post Alternative light rail plan would ‘cripple city’ appeared first on Connacht Tribune - Galway City Tribune.