Galway Advertiser 2010/GA_2010_01_21/GA_2101_E1_030.pdf 

Extracted text

30 N E W S

www.advertiser.ie

January 21 2010

THE VOICE OF REASON
PEARCE FLANNERY

Park and ride passengers up on last year
BY KERNAN ANDREWS A total of 20,264 people used the Galway City Council's park and ride service over the Christmas period, an increase of 2,042 people from last year. Figures from City Hall show that the Christmas park and ride service increased from 18,222 passengers in 2008 to 20,264 in 2009, an 11 per cent increase which served to offset an equivalent drop in the number of cars presenting at Galway Racecourse. In response to customer feedback the service began at the earlier time of 7am rather than 7.30am and survey results indicate that this change in time induced a 20 per cent increase in the numbers availing of the service. The service also incorporated a free onward bus journey to Galway Shopping Centre, which was well received by customers who commented that it provided a further bonus to availing of the park and ride service. "In the current economic climate an 11 per cent increase in the total number of passengers carried is very welcome," said Joe Tansey, head of the Galway Transportation Unit, "as is the increase in car-sharing from an average of two to 2.4 persons per car. We were also delighted to see a significant increase in the number of workers availing of the service this year."

Send home the clowns
As with the recent flooding crisis we are now faced with governmental ineptitude and inaction in dealing with the current cold snap. Although this weather was forecast, it would appear that they hoped that it would quickly thaw thus saving them from the onerous task of doing their jobs.They just do not seem to grasp the importance of immediate and decisive action on any level. Their delay in co-ordinating a response is inexcusable, their eventual response inadequate, and their energy markedly absent. Why was someone not tasked with spearheading a coordinated response earlier than this? Why did on being appointed as Minister for Snow and Sleet did John Gormally immediately claim that he had no authority over local government. This was an astonishing statement. It would be regarded as inept management and passing the buck in most normal organisations that understand the concept of accountability to its stakeholders. Our Government is obviously not a normal organisation. Immediate action should have been taken. It is unacceptable that many elderly and vulnerable people still remain trapped in their homes unable to communicate with the outside world. Yet it has taken three weeks for Government to assign someone to deal with the problem. The cold spell had run for 20 days by the time the grandly titled `national emergency response committee' was eventually announced in the face of fierce public criticism. Is it not more than a little coincedental that the response only came after significant snowfalls occurred in Dublin, grinding the city to a halt when the west and north-west had been in crisis for almost three weeks? A typically parochial response underlining the philosophy that it is only an emergency when it occurs inside the pale. When a general election is called the political establishment utilise an impressive database of all people of voting age within their constituencies. Names, ages, occupations etc are all available and this detailed data is utilised with great speed to maximise the potential vote. These highly coordinated campaigns would be operable within 24 hours. This energy is evident when politicians want something from the people. Where is this same energy when the people need help? Why does it take three weeks for Government to even acknowledge the serious nature of a problem? Meanwhile a minister with key responsibility for transport infrastructure relaxed on a beach in Malta as the country delved deeper into distress. He actually claimed that he was not needed to manage the problem. This begs the question if he is not needed during a crisis such as this then why do we need him at all? This lack of accountibility, passing of the buck, overall poor management and non-existent leadership has ensured that those given the mandate to represent us are clearly unwilling or unable to take charge of the country at a critical time. Passing the buck is par for the course in the Ireland of today and the concept of accountability is notably absent in public life. Many of those elected to represent the people have abdicated their responsibilities on a grand scale. Dealing with shortages of grit and rock salt, distributing food and fuel, and clearing roads and footpaths should not be the stuff of a national crisis. Have our national capabilities actually regressed to a situation that Government cannot even cope with a prolonged frost? The state has the resources to sort out these problems. They have the resources but they do not have the resolve. Therein lies the problem. Many struggling businesses have experienced a wholly avoidable collapse in income because of this fiasco. Jobs are once again put at risk. We need the roads and streets cleared and airports opened if businesses are to operate properly. Paradoxically the State will lose VAT, income and other taxes and face higher social welfare payments as yet more businesses face closure primarily because our country is managed by a motley collection of distinctly unfunny clowns. Now more than ever we need to be managed by professional legislators with energy, ability and a commitment to public service. The place for clowns is in the circus!

Volunteers needed to help clean up Merlin Woods
BY KERNAN ANDREWS Volunteers are being sought to help clean litter from Merlin Woods this Sunday, and schools, businesses, community groups, and individuals are being asked to help. The clean-up is part of a new anti-litter initiative in Galway known as Glan Suas Gaillimh. Glan Suas Gaillimh is a joint initiative between community groups in the city and the Galway City Council. It builds on existing anti-litter programmes, such as the National Spring Clean, Beachwatch, and the Tidy Towns Competition. Each month a different public space in the city will be chosen for the clean-up. For January, all volunteers are asked to meet in Merlin Woods on Sunday from 2pm. For more information contact Sharon on 091 - 536564 or em a i l sharon.carroll@galwaycit y.ie

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