Twelve Galway towns and villages feature in the most comprehensive survey yet looking at sustainable mobility across the west – quantifying car ownership, access to public transport, and connectivity.

The Western Development Commission this week published the Sustainable Mobility Index 2024 – the only index of its kind, looking at rural transport progress in Ireland – and it reveals Oranmore, Athenry, Tuam and Gort as Galway’s shining stars.

Covering 40 rural towns across the Western Region, the report finds significant improvements in public transport accessibility and connectivity – but it also pinpoints areas for further investment, particularly in active travel infrastructure, affordability, and connectivity.

Twelve Galway towns were included in SMI24 – Athenry; Claregalway; Ballinasloe; Bearna; Clifden; Gort; Loughrea; Maigh Cuilinn; Oranmore; Oughterard; Portumna and Tuam.

Oranmore ranks third of the 40 locations, driven by strong public transport links to Galway City and top scores in employment access. Athenry follows closely in seventh, showing the most improvement of Galway towns since SMI 2022 – and Tuam is eighth, with Gort in ninth.

But Clifden, Portumna, and Bearna fell in rankings due to weaker performance in low-carbon and employment categories.

Nine of these towns were also in the original SMI22; Claregalway, Oughterard and Portumna have been included in SMI24 for the first time.

Lower car ownership levels and propensity for car share to work were also considered as key measures for sustainable mobility.

Bearna and Oranmore are among the towns with the highest levels of car ownership – and hence lowest scores for this indicator. Not unexpectedly, these are among the towns with the highest income levels.  Clifden is among the towns with the lowest car ownership.

Social activities were also considered, with indicators showing public transport services to and from the towns in the evening.

There was considerable variation in these, the best town (Oranmore) had 18 services arriving from a large (10k+ population) town after 19:00 and 22 services departing for a 10k town after 19:00.

Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary, thanked the WDC for what he called this valuable report.

“The Programme for Government sets out this government’s commitment to balanced regional development, addressing infrastructural deficits and strengthening regional connectivity,” he said.

“The WDC’s Sustainable Mobility Index helps us track progress and guide future policy. This year’s index confirm that we are moving in the right direction,” he added.

WDC CEO Allan Mulrooney also welcomed the progress in the region.

“This year’s Sustainable Mobility Index highlights just how much progress has been made in strengthening rural transport. It’s encouraging to see that targeted investment is making a difference—towns with enhanced sustainable transport infrastructure are climbing the rankings but it is essential that this investment is continued to ensure all our rural towns are well-connected and sustainable,” he said.

Dr. Helen McHenry, Policy Analyst at the WDC and lead author of the report, emphasised the importance of sustained investment.

“The progress highlighted in this year’s Index is encouraging, demonstrating that investment in rural transport is delivering real benefits,” she said.

“More people now have access to public transport, and towns that have received targeted improvements are seeing clear gains.

“While challenges remain, particularly in affordability and active travel infrastructure, this report shows that where the investments are made, and services improved, the benefits are evident.

“Continued investment will ensure that even more rural communities can experience these benefits in the years ahead.”

Pictured: Allan Mulrooney…welcomed progress.