Minister Ó Cuív welcomes Smarter Travel Projects for Galway
Written by Eamon Ó Cuív Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Minister for Social Protection Éamon Ó Cuív T.D. has welcomed the announcement by his colleague Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey T.D. that 30 Sustainable Travel Projects nationwide will be funded by the Smarter Travel Project Fund.
In welcoming this news Minister Ó Cuív said “I believe that transport is the key to the development of the West of Ireland and the five projects approved will be examining various initiatives which will benefit sustainable transport in Galway. I look forward to seeing these travel projects underway and it is hoped that they will act as a model for delivering national schemes in the future”.
Dept of Economics NUI Galway-Galway-Moycullen greenway feasiblity study
This ten month project will examine the feasibility of transforming the Galway-Moycullen section of the disused Galway – Clifden railway line into a greenway suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities. The process of acquiring this long disused rail corridor and transforming it into a trail requires multiple stages of groundwork, from conducting corridor research to determine who now owns the rights-of way, to figuring the cost, or value, of the corridor, making a preliminary decision on feasibility, to securing financing or funding options for trail development and maintenance.
€33,000
Galway Cycling Campaign-Image of cycling in Galway
This project aims to implement a specific objective of the National Cycle Policy Framework on the ground, by improving the image of cycling and promoting cycling using “soft interventions”. Aspects of the project will include promotional campaigns, events, and a cycling based calendar.
€28,600
Galway County Council-Integrated walking and cycling strategy
This project seeks to develop & deliver an accessible, integrated walking and cycling strategy for County Galway. This is a three year project which will occur on a phased basis with the initial phase being the development of an integrated county wide accessible integrated walking and cycling strategy for County Galway. Following this there will be a focus on improvement & provision of walking and cycling infrastructure in some pilot areas of Galway County.
€703,000
Galway Chamber of commerce-Cycle parking fund
This project aims to provide cycle parking for Galway City, consistent with the National Cycle Policy Framework target of 10% of commuters cycling to work. The object of this proposal is to achieve this minimum level of provision and eventually build on in it to match the levels of cycle parking provision found in acknowledged cycling cities such as Munster, Freiburg, Oxford and Cambridge. The work will be carried out over a three year period and the level of take up will be monitored throughout the project. The project has support from both Galway City Council, and the Galway Cycling Campaign, and the outputs could be widely transferable.
€406,000
Galway Chamber of commerce-Workplace cycle champions
This project aims to improve the image of cycling as a mode for commuting, by creating fifty “Cycling Champions” in Galway businesses over 3 years. Each champion will receive training from qualified cycling instructors and will be provided with literature on cycling skills and cycling maps for Galway city and county. The champions will then act as mentors for colleagues who wish to cycle to work but need advice and encouragement. The project complements other Galway cycling projects, and again is widely transferable if proven successful.
€8,250
