Road builders hoping for lucrative contracts may have to wait for a while as it has been claimed that Galway doesn't need a proposed new outer bypass route.

Improved public transport should be tried instead, says an organisation opposing the construction of a new road and bridge as part of the scheme.

Hands Across the Corrib group (HAC) - made up of residents and community representatives said this week that it rejected the notion of a 'small group of high powered people' seeking to influence a case before the European Court of Justice.

-- Advertisement --

Their response comes after it emerged earlier that a delegation of industrial, business and political representatives met with the environment section of the European Commission to try and 'fast forward' the case.

In a statement issued this week, HAC said that simple solutions they had put forward 10 years ago had yet to be addressed in a meaningful way.

These include park-and-ride, mini-roundabout, one way systems, synchronised traffic lights, facilities for cyclists and improved public transport.

They claim that 11 years ago, the bypass project was costed at €47m but this had now risen to €370m, with €20m already spent.

The group also claim that the proposed GLUAS light rail system would solve the city's transport problems as well as being economic, efficient and environmentally friendly.

(BMcC/GK)