A public presentation by Brendan Smith on ‘how a Corrib pedestrian-cycling bridge within a National Park City designation could transform Galway city’ will be held at 1:00pm next Wednesday, February 25, in the Galway City Museum.
According to Brendan Smith, “There is growing support from so many sectors locally for the construction of a pedestrian cycling bridge on top of the abandoned limestone pillars in the Corrib River, which once served as a key element of the railway line to Clifden.
"People realise that it would be a powerful and stunningly beautiful manifestation of a new forward-thinking future for Galway, one that integrates sustainable modes of transport and built development with the natural environment.
"It would be a powerful catalyst in pushing forward the long overdue completion of a greenway that will transform Connemara for the better; provide a conduit for people living in the Woodquay-Headford Road-Menlo catchment to their places of work or study in the medical, university, sport and business campuses on the westside of the river.
"It could lead to the development of a unique network of walking trails along the largely forgotten ‘boreens' or country lanes that still exist in nearby Coolough, Ballinfoile, Menlo and on into Castlegar; help preserve the nearby fragile biodiversity-rich wetlands, woodland and meadows by increasing public awareness of their existence; whilst giving a fresh focus on the expansive Corrib waterways which are such an important part of the identity of our city.
"Supporters for the bridge project include Galway city council, TDs from all parties and none, the University of Galway authorities who have made clear their willingness to make the necessary land available for its construction, the Galway City Community Network (the umbrella of the community and voluntary sector ), the Connemara Greenway Alliance, the medical profession, businesses such as Aerogen and waterways advocates such as Corrib Beo.
"So we should not allow the arbitrary decision of the National Transport Authority to withdraw as the bridge’s co-funder to be interpreted as its demise. We, as the people of Galway, have waited since 2000 for its completion, when, known as the Millennium Bridge project, it was viewed as an iconic 21st-century flagship project for the city.
"The bridge will also give fresh impetus to a National Park City designation for Galway that cities such as London in Britain, Breda in the Netherlands, Adelaide in Australia, Chattanooga in the United States, Belfast, with the support of Belfast City Council and multiple stakeholders, are aiming to achieve this year.”
