Mullingar risks 'falling behind' if it doesn't reduce traffic - Ryan

If Mullingar doesn't reduce the amount of traffic coming into the town centre, it risks “falling behind”.

That's the view of Green Party leader and Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan, who says that Mullingar has a “big opportunity” when a new town bus service is introduced to reduce dependence on car travel.

“I would say in Mullingar the big opportunity is when the bus service comes in, and it's coming with the next two year. Use that as a change of onus; use that as time to make it safe to cycle and walk as well as having buses.

"I am absolutely certain that the future of Mullingar would be guaranteed with that approach.

“If we start with the other way, what's the alternative? More cars coming in? It won't work. It's not just for environment and climate reasons it won't work. It won't work because there is limited space. If we fill it all up with cars, then it just gets clogged it's doesn't work for anyone.”

Speaking to the local press at the end of the well attended public meeting in Columb Barracks last night (Thursday) organised by the local branch of the Green Party, Minister Ryan said that regional towns such as Clonakillty and Westport have thrived since they “focused on pedestrian services and not having a town centre dominated by cars”.

“Companies come to towns that are attractive. Businesses come to towns that are attractive.”

Pointing to the success of the town bus service in Athlone and towns such as Kilkenny, Minister Ryan said that a similar service in Mullingar would would have a positive impact on the town as a whole, including the local economy.

“For those who fear the change, I'd say we have to have some sort of faith in it. Anywhere they have done it, they would never reverse it. It improves the town for everyone and I think this bus service will be transformative.”

He also warned that the funding allocated for the new bus service could go elsewhere.

“Look at Athlone and its bus service, would they take bus service out now? Ten thousand passengers used it last year, growing 20 per cent. This is what people want.

"You might not always hear from them. You might hear from someone who has a fear about how it will affect them. What you don't tend to hear from is someone who thinks they might benefit from it.

“I think the job of the council is to appraise this in the wider balance and I think this is the way to go. And listen, if Mullingar doesn't want to do it, if Mullingar wants to stay in the 20th century and not move into the 21st century, there are plenty of other towns across the country that could do with that money.

“I will be saying that to Westmeath County Council tomorrow (Friday). Lads, if you don't want to do it, the money's going elsewhere. I have queue as long as my arm of towns that want to put in those bus services. If Mullingar doesn't, Mullingar will fall behind, and that would be terrible.”