Galway Cycling Campaign support proposal to build new road for HGV’s
There will be a massive increase in the number of HGV’s coming through the city during the construction of the proposed extension to Galway Harbour.
Galway Cycling Campaign is concerned about the impact this substantial upsurge in heavy vehicles will have on the citizens of Galway.
The Environmental Impact Statement estimates that during the first stage of construction there will be 305 HGV movements per day. This is on top of an average of 376 HGV’s that currently pass along Lough Atalia on an average weekday. In total- during operational hours for the harbour construction- it will result in an average of 52 HGV’s clogging up Lough Atalia Road every hour.
Galway Cycling Campaign PRO Oisin O’Nidh commented, “HGV’s are particularly dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians. There is a significant body of solid evidence out there which clearly demonstrates the link between HGV’s and increased cyclist and pedestrian fatalities.”
Galway Cycling Campaign support Galway City Council’s proposal to build a special road that follows the route of the railway line which would provide an alternative route for construction traffic. When the harbour is built this road could continue to provide a means for heavy freight to avoid the city centre. Plans for this road are set out in the City Development Plan 2005-2011.
Galway Cycling Campaign members presented their concerns at the An Bord Pleanála oral hearing regarding the proposed extension to Galway Harbour on Thursday January 22nd.
“HGV’s cause a sense of intimidation and fear, and are an unsafe environment for young children. They make the city an unattractive place to walk and cycle, not to mention the noise,” added Mr O’Nidh.
The HGV’s with their heavy loads will be making their way to the harbour along a number of designated routes. Second and third level students will be affected in addition to young children attending primary schools. The following schools and colleges are on the proposed haulage routes: Moneenageisha Community College, Coláiste na Coiribe, GMIT, Holy Trinity Girls and St Michael’s Boys in Mervue, Shantalla NS, Galway Educate Together, St Joseph’s Special NS and St Francis NS.
According to Dublin City Council, between 2002 and 2006 11 cyclists died on the roads; 8 of these people were killed by HGV’s that were making a left turn.
In London, half of the 44 cyclist fatalities between 2011 and 2013 were as a result of a collision with a HGV. Of these 21, ten involved a collision with a left-turning HGV.
To read what we said at the oral hearing, please click here Harbour Oral Hearing (speaking note)
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