Dear Editor,
With regards to the outer city bypass for Galway, let's all hope that An Bord Pleanala gives the go ahead for its construction in one form or another as soon as possible. A decision not to go ahead will have detrimental affects on Galway and its residents.

All major European cities that have good public transport infrastructure have, in addition, a good road network that includes outer orbital bypasses. This facilitates pass through traffic from not having to enter historic centres and add unnecessary congestion. France and Germany both have some of the world's best public transport systems, but they too have some of the best road systems to compliment them. Public transport does not work solely in isolation.

People commuting to and from Galway city come from a wide hinterland, which includes areas of low population densities. Public transport is not necessarily economically viable to certain areas and individuals' commuting patterns are very much varied in terms of end destination, whether it be part of Galway city or passing through. Hence the car is very much an integral part of overall transportation policy.

The automobile industry is investing billions to make their cars more environmental friendly and efficient. General Motors are only two years away from releasing their first plug-in hybrid that will be able to do up to 150 miles per gallon. A fully electric sports car already exists that has a range of over 300 kilometres. Technology is making the car more efficient. This will lead to reduced emissions per vehicle in the future.

Populations increase, more houses are built to accommodate, more jobs are needed and hence road and public transport infrastructure needs to be improved. The Galway to Dublin train line is now slower than it was many years ago. This is due to congestion on the eastern part of the line, due to higher population densities. Investment has been made as a result to increase the track line to four lanes in parts. The population has increased further around the M50 commuter belt, which has resulted in congestion. Investment is under way to bring most junctions to free flow status and the number of lanes increased to four. Galway too needs to invest for present and future population increases in addition to attracting in-ward investment.

I am all for cycling as a form of leisure and for short commutes. Cycling is not the answer for families living outside (or even in) Galway city that have to transport children and goods, especially with the weather Galway usually experiences, never mind the needs of businesses.

At the moment the N6 upgrade to dual carriageway is well under way. It is due to finish at Doughiska. If the outer bypass does not get the go-ahead it will be a nightmare scenario for this area with long tail backs on the new dual carriage way and further chronic congestion in the local area. Why should someone travelling from eastern Connacht or beyond that wishes to commute to Connemara have to sit in grid-locked traffic at Doughiska and the local residents suffer as a consequence?

None of the candidates at last year's general election that opposed the outer by pass got elected. So maybe it's about time the will of the silent majority, rather than the vocal minority, prevails and the outer bypass is approved.

Yours sincerely,
Alan Nixon,
Doughiska,
Galway

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