Ferry service between Oranmore and Galway Docks

biko

A commuter ferry service between Oranmore and Galway Docks is just one of a number of innovative proposals of the Labour Party contained in a master plan for an integrated public transport system for the city.
Labour Party spokesperson on Transport, Tommy Broughan, and local Deputy Michael D Higgins will address a public meeting on Thursday about the party’s vision for an integrated transport network in Galway.
A ‘Park and Ride’ style ferry that would depart Renville Pier at the local sailing club and allow workers and shoppers to avoid traffic congestion by bringing them into the Docks in 14 minutes, is the brainchild of Oranmore Labour Party candidate Enda O’ Rourke.
He says that the ferry could facilitate 100 passengers and depart twice in the morning during rush-hour with two evening return journeys from the Docks. In time, he says Tara Pier, which would serve the people of Gort and Kinvara, could be added to the ferry crossing.
“People are frustrated with traffic congestion in Oranmore and we need to think outside the box for solutions,” he said.
The daily bottleneck in Claregalway and plans for a light rail system or GLUAS will also be on the agenda. ***

I really hope this comes soon, would be great for the Oran people that work in the city centre. 14 mins is less than half the car commute.

Victor

biko wrote: »

Ferry service between Oranmore and Galway Docks

I thought this was about the ferry service between Aranmór and Galway Docks.

All they need to do is put a train station in Oranmore and run some shuttles.

Edit: I forgot the pic

KevR

Hmm, a good idea in theory but when the M6 is done it will take a lot of traffic off the dual carriageways around Oranmore making the commute by car quicker (although people would still have to deal with traffic closer to the city centre). When the M18 and Bypass are built it will make the commute by car even quicker again.

Also, aren't they putting a train station in Oranmore as part of the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor? It should be less than 10 mins on the train from Oranmore to Eyre Square. Also, trains can carry a lot more people and will have services running throughout the day, not just during morning and evening rush hour.

I'm not against the idea but the ferry will face stiff competition. I'm not sure they would get the numbers to make it viable.

biko

Well, if they get started pronto with it I'm sure it'll take off.
You don't have to park in the city for one.

rekrow

KevR wrote: »

Also, aren't they putting a train station in Oranmore as part of the re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor?

They may be putting a station in Oranmore but for a large number of residents Renville pier would probably be closer to reach than the station. To be honest I am not sure of the exact location of the new station, but developments like Oranhill and may out that road were totally misplaced. I have said it before I think the development of Oranmore and Galway commuter belt in general did not take into consideration the reopening of the WRC.

The other point to consider is where are commuters looking to go in Galway. The main business parks are located too far away from the docks to make it a major runner. Another failing shared with the WRC.

I think the proposal here is a bit of a headline grabber rather than a serious contender. Bus and maybe some light rail is the future for Galway.

My proposal would be a GLUAS starting at the new station in Oranmore going North to Carnmore with a stop at the Airport, then west with stops at Parkmore, Racecourse, Ballybrit, Liosbaun, Dun Na Coirbe, University/Hosptial, Westside, Knocknacarra, ending in a park and ride somewhere on the West near Barna. Looking at google maps the route seems to be greenfield most of the way. The only trick would be to avoid any rare snails.

Victor

rekrow wrote: »

Bus and maybe some light rail is the future for Galway.

You have a railway that runs right into the city, past serveral potential station locations (Renmore, Ballyloughaun, Curragreen, Oranmore, Athenry would be a good start) - start with that.

I've just realised where Oranhill is - its the height of daftness to be building out there - 2km from the village centre.

rekrow

My point is that current line follows some of the least densely populated/developed areas of Galway. For a commuter service to work it must deliver people within a reasonable distance of where they work. The main reason the WRC went ahead is that politicans were under political pressure to put in a rail solution in response to surveys done by west on track. The cheapest and nastiest solution was to put a train on the existing line. Already Noel Grealish has been quoted as saying that a shuttle bus should run between Oranmore and the airport.
Ceannt Station to:
Parkmore 6.3km/101 min walk
Ballybrit 3.3km/42 min walk
Liosbaun 2.3km/29 min walk
Hospital 1.6Km/20 min walk (source: googlemaps)

These are some of the larger centres of employment that will not be realistically be served by 1 station in Oranmore and 1 in Galway city. The current proposal does not include any stations between Oranmore and the city. By putting in a cross city route there would be a greater catchment area. I know in these times it is hard to justify such expenditure. A shuttle bus on the route would be a good gauge to see if it would be a viable investment.

KevR

Victor wrote: »

You have a railway that runs right into the city, past serveral potential station locations (Renmore, Ballyloughaun, Curragreen, Oranmore, Athenry would be a good start) - start with that.

Seeing as though we in Galway are too lazy to think up our own names for things (GLUAS ) we could call it the GART :eek:

rekrow

KevR wrote: »

we could call it the GART :eek:

There is no rapid transport in Galway so that would be out. Maybe something like TLTL (too little too late!)

dowlingm

Presumably a ferry wouldn't take long to put in place whereas double tracking Galway-Oranmore and reinstating Oranmore station is a bit troublesome what with IE engineering resources bogged down in reopening cattle platforms in south Co. Galway :mad::rolleyes:

serfboard

rekrow wrote: »

... I think the development of Oranmore and Galway commuter belt in general did not take into consideration the reopening of the WRC.

The development around Galway took into account the political connections/size of "political donations" of developers.

rekrow wrote: »

The other point to consider is where are commuters looking to go in Galway. The main business parks are located too far away from the docks to make it a major runner. Another failing shared with the WRC.

Agreed. A point I continuously make. How many people drive to work in Ballybrit/Parkmore everyday? And how many cars have more than one person in them? That's what happens when you provide zoned industrial areas with no public transport access. For God's sake, even a 10-year-old kid playing Sim City could figure that out.

So I agree - I don't think this proposal will work, just as the WRC won't help either - unless you're working in the city centre (and who is?).

Victor

dowlingm wrote: »

Presumably a ferry wouldn't take long to put in place whereas double tracking Galway-Oranmore and reinstating Oranmore station is a bit troublesome what with IE engineering resources bogged down in reopening cattle platforms in south Co. Galway :mad::rolleyes:

The thing is, a lot of the work can be done by general contractors, its not dependent on the IÉ works department.

If you are only running a few services to begin with on a simple piece of track, short passing loops at stations are probably enough, no need to double track immediately.

Alanerin218

Just moved to Renville, is there any word on wether this will be happening?

Victor

Alanerin218 wrote: »

Just moved to Renville, is there any word on wether this will be happening?

No.

L1011

Victor wrote: »

I thought this awas about the ferry service between Aranmór and Galway Docks.

I generally find that going to Burtonport makes a lot more sense...

(Them lot aren't getting that name, they've got a perfectly good one already)