Submission on Smarter Travel for Westport

Thomas Chambers
The Billy Ranch
Knocknageha
Newport
Mayo

Submission on Smarter Travel for Westport
Monday, October 26, 2009

Dear Ms. Moore,

I would like to stress how important it is that the disabled be kept informed and consulted in relation to all works affecting us. Our motto is “Nothing about us, without us!”

I welcome this public submission process and I would like to make the following points in relation to the project.

Ensure all developments take into account all potential users including youths, schoolchildren, working people, families, elderly people and disabled people
Lower speed limits in the town to 30k mph to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists
Lower speed limits on the approach roads to the town to 50kmph to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists
Erect signage throughout the town raising awareness of other non-motor road users
Hold educational workshops and campaigns informing motorists that they must share the road with pedestrians and cyclists and safety measures to do so
Lobby the driving test centres to incorporate 'Sharing the Road with non-motor users' into their test
Build a proper bus terminal perhaps in the Mill St. / High St. car park and connect it to the Train station via the Railway line walk.
Lobby for commuter friendly Bus Eireann times
Lobby for the commuter train to run from Westport to Castlebar to Claremorris
Improved bus links with Knock Airport.
Lobby for improved bicycle transport on all public transport systems
Erect sheltered bicycle racks at the Railway and Bus stop
Develop rural transport schemes giving people that live in the countryside the opportunity to leave their car at home.
Develop a shuttle bus service from Westport town to the Quay
Extend footpaths to all urban areas so that at least all houses within the designated urban area can walk safely to town
Improve the Murrisk cycle way to ensure it is used properly.
Improve cycle rack in Murrisk car park
Ensure safe walking and cycle paths exist to all schools
Ensure safe road crossings exist close to all schools (note a pedestrian crossing should be erected on the Castlebar road allowing students to cross to the Gaelscoil and to Rice College)



Tom Chambers