A Galway West TD has called for the introduction of a dedicated Park and Ride facility for workers in Parkmore in a bid to alleviate traffic chaos there.
Each evening, thousands of workers spend up to 90 minutes in their cars attempting to leave the carparks in the business park.
Galway West TD Hildegarde Naughton said Ballybrit racecourse would be an ideal location for a Park and Ride.
She said the traffic situation continues to worsen, and short-term solutions are urgently needed.
“I am at a loss to know why a dedicated Park and Ride or Park and Stride facility cannot be offered for the sole use of commuters working in Parkmore.
“The nearby racecourse, with its enormous potential, could be explored. Such a move would remove much of the traffic from the Parkmore Road and allow commuters to either walk or take a bus to the business park.
“No matter the ultimate location for such a service, Galway City Council and the business leaders in Parkmore should immediately discuss the optimum location for such a service and details of how it might be best delivered.
“While the businesses in the area, the local authorities and the IDA and other concerned parties, have worked hard to put in place plans for future traffic alleviation measures, there is a pressing need for urgent action,” said Deputy Naughton.
She said ‘road rage’ incidents were becoming commonplace amongst frustrated drivers.
“The situation is now so bad in Parkmore that there is evidence of road rage taking place on a regular basis.
“In addition, local estates are now being used as unofficial car parks by employees who, understandably, do not want to spend an hour-and-a-half trying to exit the estate in the evenings,” said Deputy Naughton.
She said other solutions – including a redesign of Parkmore Road and a new access road – are not going to happen immediately.
“While I was successful in securing funding for design and planning work for the Parkmore Road, that work will not happen immediately.
“The IDA investment in a new access road to the park is now held up by an appeal to An Bord Pleanala and will, in all probability, not be completed until the end of the year.
“It is primarily a matter for the local authority. While I accept that they are trying to progress the matter, the thinking is all long term. That does not help those caught up every day in the misery of Parkmore traffic jams.
“There are lives being seriously affected by the stress and anger this issue is causing.
“There are many short term solutions which would not involve thousands of cars trying to enter and exit Parkmore Business Park every day.
“Park and Ride/Stride works very successfully elsewhere when properly planned and delivered. The Council needs to start thinking how to deliver some short term relief as well as planning for the future,” said Deputy Naughton.
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