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Galway Environmental Network

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Galway Environmental Network

The Galway Environmental Network was founded in early 2018 to bring together individuals and organisations with a particular interest in the protection of the natural environment and the advancement of environmental sustainability.

GEN work is underpinned by:

  • A commitment to environmental sustainability and to protecting and enhancing the environment and biodiversity in Galway;
  • A commitment to collaboration;
  • A commitment to add value to the work of GEN members;
  • A belief in the importance of voice and a commitment to participation providing opportunities for a diversity of voices on environmental issues;
  • A commitment to subsidiarity and the importance of taking decisions at the lowest practicable level;
  • A commitment to social and ecological resilience;
  • A commitment to working in partnership with the local authority and other stakeholders.

Local & European Elections 2019

Galway Environmental Network Manifesto

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In the context of the Local and European Elections 2019, GEN has identified the following priorities for action by our political representatives.

Climate Change

GEN believes that climate change is an emergency and urgent action is required to ensure the worst effects of climate change are avoided

  1. If elected, we expect you to drive a motion to declare a climate emergency. Please outline how you will do this.
  2. If elected, we expect you to support the development and implementation of a Climate Action Plan in collaboration with Galway Environmental Network and other stakeholders. Please outline how you will do this.
  3. If elected, we expect you to change the culture around waste and energy in Galway. Please outline how you will do this.

Biodiversity

Galway Environmental Network believes that Biodiversity, which is under serious threat, is critical to the health, wellbeing and survival of humanity.

  1. If elected, we expect you to recognise the importance of Biodiversity and to ensure that Biodiversity is a central consideration in all plans, policies and programmes. Please outline how you will do this.
  2. If elected, we expect you to protect and enhance existing Biodiversity and Blue/Green spaces and to create additional Wildlife Corridors. Please outline how you will do this.
  3. If elected, we expect you to ensure that pesticide spraying is discontinued. Please outline how you will do this.

Transport

Galway Environmental Network believes that sustainable transport solutions, walking, cycling and public transport, should be prioritised.

  1. If elected, we expect you to ensure that pedestrian pathways and crossings are redesigned to privilege pedestrians and cyclists. Please give a specific example of what you will champion in your own area.
  2. If elected, we expect you to encourage use of public transportation and reduce dependence on cars. Please outline how you will do this.
  3. If the construction of the Galway City Ring Road goes ahead carbon emissions will rise by 37%[1].How do you propose to offset these new carbon emissions?

Planning

Galway Environmental Network believes that good planning is critical, and that Local Area Plans are key to enabling communities to shape the sustainable future of our city.

  1. If elected, we expect you to champion the development of statutory Local Area Plans for developments such as the Ceannt Station lands, the Harbour lands, the regeneration area to the East of Eyre Square, Nun’s Island, Dyke Road Car Park/Black Box, Headford Road south of Bodkin Junction, Sandy Road lands in the ownership of Galway City Council and Galway County Council. Please outline how you will do this.
  2. If elected, we expect you to support collaboration with the Galway Environmental Network in relation to planning. Please outline how you will do this.
  3. If elected, we expect you to champion the establishment of a People’s Assembly, modelled on the national Citizen’s Assembly. Please outline how you will do this and how you will action the outcome of the assembly’s deliberations.

 

[1] 2017 ARUP for Galway County Council. Business Case, N6 Galway City Ring Road. PRS Reference GC/14/11222