Social Democrats by-election candidate Míde Nic Fhionnlaoich has called on the Minister for Transport and members of the Joint Committee on Transport to visit Galway to see first-hand the negative impact that traffic congestion is having on the city.
Míde said:
“Along with the cost of living and housing crises, Galway’s traffic congestion problem is an issue that has featured prominently on the doorsteps during this by-election campaign.
“It comes as no surprise that, after Dublin, Galway is the most congested city in Ireland. Anyone who lives in Galway or needs to commute to the city knows only too well the impact of gridlock on their daily lives.
“A Department of Transport report warned that the city will reach peak traffic in 2030, and congestion will eventually cost €891 per capita in Galway by 2040. This same report revealed that the cost of congestion in Galway will rise to almost €107 million per year by 2040.
“But instead of implementing the Metropolitan Area Strategic Plan, we have seen delays to BusConnects in Galway and no progress on proposals for a light rail system for Galway.
“A 2024 feasibility study into the Gluas, which would link Knocknacarra in the west of the city to Roscam in the east, charted a clear path for how it can be delivered and why it would be hugely beneficial to Galway.
“It is estimated that the Gluas would reduce car trips in the city by at least 10 per cent, carrying around 7.5 passengers per year. Can you imagine the difference this would make to people’s quality of life in Galway?
“We also need to see progress on active travel projects in Galway, including the cycleway/pedestrian bridge over the Corrib at Woodquay, and delivery of the Connemara greenway to connect Oughterard with the city.
“In addition, bus services must be expanded to towns at the edge of the city, like Bearna, which currently rely on rural bus services, despite being only 15 mins from Galway city centre.
“There are clear, well thought out solutions to Galway’s traffic congestion, but no political ambition to deliver on them. That is why I am calling on Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien, along with members of the Joint Committee on Transport, to visit Galway and see for themselves the impact that gridlock is having on residents, businesses and tourists in the city.”
May 19, 2026