New strategy proposed to address mobility and transport issues in busy Mayo town
A major study aimed at improving Castlebar’s mobility and transport issues is set to get underway.
It is being conducted by CONUNDRUM, an interdisciplinary research project in Ireland focused on co-creating sustainable community mobility in small and medium-sized towns that lack major public transport or electric vehicle resources.
The team from University College Dublin (UCD) and Trinity College Dublin (TCD), working in collaboration with the think-tank TASC and societal impact partner GAA, have conducted similar works in Enniscorthy, Tramore and Youghal, resulting in positive results in the three towns.
The Castlebar Community-led Mobility Strategy will be launched at Room 1936, Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, Castlebar, on Wednesday, November 18, from 6 to 7 p.m. when community groups, residents associations, clubs and members of the public are invited to make submissions.
Dr. Dean Phelan, a research fellow at the School of Geography at University College Dublin, who is heading the study, explained to The Connaught Telegraph: “We are a team of researchers who are working with the people of Castlebar to better understand how people move around the town.
“We want to learn about the challenges you face when it comes to mobility and transport and to hear local people’s thoughts on how this can be improved.
“Rather than beginning with predetermined transport solutions, we work with communities and local stakeholders to identify the challenges that matter most locally and to co-develop practical actions and solutions that respond to those needs.”
The group made initial contact with Anne Conlon, a former president of Castlebar Chamber of Commerce, to set in motion their proposals for the county town, proposals that could have far-reaching beneficial advantages for the community at large.
The researchers want to support Castlebar in adopting low-carbon transport solutions as well as addressing other mobility and transport issues that have become problematic over the years.
“We are also empowering communities with new knowledge to better assert their needs and work collaboratively with local and other government agencies to make impactful change to enhance quality of life,” explained Dr. Phelan.
Over 132 specific mobility challenges were flagged through stakeholder engagement in Enniscorthy, focusing on inadequate infrastructure, restricted access to local services, and planning barriers.
They have met with David Mellett, director of services for the Castlebar Municipal District, who is very supportive of the initiative and looking forward to seeing the outputs and learnings.