The Cosáin campaign group argues that Galway City Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland have failed to conduct essential studies on how school travel impacts city traffic patterns. By ignoring this significant seasonal congestion, local authorities are neglecting evidence-based solutions to reduce the heavy reliance on private cars during peak morning hours. This lack of planning reflects a broader policy failure to address chronic car dependency in Galway. Rather than recognizing limited alternatives as the cause of high vehicle use, officials treat it as standard demand, prioritizing road infrastructure over sustainable transport options despite some minor efforts by national bodies. Relevant to open data, this issue highlights the critical role of freedom of information requests in exposing gaps in public accountability. Citizens used FOI tools to uncover missing impact assessments, demonstrating how transparency enables communities to demand better, data-driven transport planning that prioritizes walking, cycling, and shared mobility over car-centric solutions.
Source:Published on 2024-08-28