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Chair of the European Parliament Regional Development Committee, Younous Omarjee MEP, recently visited Galway to see the new Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge.
Omarjee was visiting on a fact-finding mission to examine how the EU can play a positive role in addressing regional imbalance in Ireland.
Chris MacManus, Sinn Féin MEP for the Midlands Northwest. and Omarjee met with officials from Galway City Council at the new Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge, which received a contribution of €3.5 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
MEP Omarjee said: "I am pleased to be in Ireland this week at the invitation of my colleague, Chris MacManus, in my capacity as Chair of the European Parliament's Regional Development Committee. I am here to meet with regional stakeholders such as Galway City Council, examine the positive role EU funding has played in the Northern and Western region, and to discuss how the EU can contribute towards addressing the decline of the west and northwest of Ireland.
"The new Salmon Weir Bridge is a fantastic amenity for the people of Galway, and will make an enormous difference for the thousands of people who cross the river here each day. It is a very positive example of the role EU funding can play in benefitting local communities and improving people’s lives.
MEP MacManus said: "I am pleased to welcome Younous Omarjee to Ireland this week. He chairs a very powerful Committee in the European Parliament, which is especially important for us here in the west of Ireland given the need for European funding to address infrastructural deficits in our region.
"The Salmon Weir Bridge was partially funded by the ERDF, receiving €3.5 million from the fund, and is a hugely positive development for the people of Galway. It has made crossing the river a much safer experience for pedestrians and cyclists, and ensures ease of access between the city centre and the hospital, university and local communities west of the river.
"It is a key component of the Galway Transport Strategy, the wider transport plan to make Galway City Centre more connected and accessible to all."
