Galway City Council welcomes the decision of An Coimisiún Pleanála to grant planning consent for BusConnects Galway: Dublin Road project. The BusConnects Galway: Dublin Road project is a planned continuous corridor of high-quality public transport, pedestrian and cycling facilities running along the length of the R338 Dublin Road. This 3.9km route, running from east of the Moneenageisha Junction to the Doughiska Junction to, will be adjacent to the Atlantic Technological University, Merlin Park Hospital, Bon Secours Hospital as well as schools and other amenities.
The new bus facilities, which will include additional dedicated bus lanes in both directions and enhanced bus stops, will provide for more reliable and more comfortable journeys for commuters. The provision of active travel infrastructure, including segregated cycle tracks and upgraded pedestrian facilities, will allow for safer, more comfortable journeys for walkers, wheelers and cyclists.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Mike Cubbard said, “This is a very welcome development for much-needed public transport, walking and cycling infrastructure for Galway City. BusConnects Galway: Dublin Road serves a number of significant employers, educational institutions and residential areas on the Dublin Road. It’s also a main artery into and through the city. It’s essential for the sustainable development of the city that projects such as this can progress in Galway, so I welcome the decision of An Coimisiún Pleanála to grant planning consent for this project”.
Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive of Galway City Council, said, “BusConnects Galway is a priority project for Galway City, with Dublin Road a significant route in the city’s growing network of public transport infrastructure. Dublin Road will link into other completed and pending projects, including the Ballybane Road and Castlepark Road Cycle Network Scheme, the Doughiska Road South Cycle Network and the BusConnects Galway: Cross-City Link project. For the city to continue to be an attractive place to live, work, visit and invest, Galway City needs a modern, high-quality public transport system, with high quality facilities for walking, cycling and wheeling. This project is one of many that will change the narrative in terms of travel choices in Galway City, with less reliance on private car – and more people walking, cycling and taking public transport. I’d like to acknowledge the National Transport Authority, for their support in progressing this project.”
As part of this decision, An Coimisiún Pleanála has granted planning consent, and consent for Galway City Council to compulsorily purchase a number of properties along the route.
This project is part of the Galway Transport Strategy, and is funded by the National Transport Authority.
Read more about the BusConnects Galway: Dublin Road project on https://www.bcgdublinroad.ie/