By Avril Horan

THE Galway Commuter Coalition has hit out at the National Transport Authority over a decision to pull funding from the proposed Clifden Railway Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge over the River Corrib.

Chairperson Lochlann Gallagher has called on the Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien (FF) to reinstate the funding for the bridge — an integral part of the Connemara Greenway — and says it would be “a jewel in the crown of our city.”

“This is a step backward for the entire region and it must be reversed,” says Mr Gallagher.

“Our city is choked with traffic and cannot grow or thrive. The cancellation of this vital piece of infrastructure is a terrible shame, and the Galway Commuter Coalition is calling for citizens of the city and the region to reach out to their TDs and the Minister for Transport to call for funding to be reinstated.”

According to the coalition, the pedestrian and cycle bridge — which would link the Dyke Road area with the University of Galway campus, using the abutments of the former railway bridge — would be a valuable outdoor amenity for locals and tourist alike, citing that investment in public transport is vital.

“It was going to be the beginning and end of a jewel in the crown of our city and our region, providing safe cycling and walking routes for workers, students, children and for tourists,” continues Mr Gallagher.

“This was not just to be a valuable commuting route but a welcome recreational amenity in a city crying out for good, safe outdoor space. We must invest in public transport and active travel to help keep our economy moving and to improve the quality of life for our citizens.”

Director of Services Derek Pender told a recent meeting of Galway City Council that the NTA “no longer see the viability of another pedestrian crossing over the Corrib at this time,” while noting that “we still have the funding from the URDF.”

The bridge was allocated €5.5 million from the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), with the remainder expected from the NTA.

Mr Gallagher explained that the bridge would “safely and seamlessly” connect the city with University of Galway, UHG, Newcastle, Dangan, Moycullen and the rest of Connemara.

At the meeting, Councillor Eddie Hoare (FG) said he “strongly disagreed” with the NTA’s position, describing the bridge as “a major part of the Greenway and connectivity to the city” and “a landmark project for Galway.”

Despite the setback, Mr Pender said he hoped the project would still proceed having strong support from relevant agencies and stakeholders.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.

Pictured: Up in the air: the proposed pedestrian and cycle bridge.