Funding of more than €6 million for pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in County Galway has been announced by local Fine Gael TD and Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton.
The major investment under the Government’s Active Travel strategy will see the development and enhancement of walkways and cycleways across the county, as well as the implementation of a number of safety measures to protect pedestrians and cyclists.
The funding package includes a range of projects intended to improve connectivity between amenities, transport hubs and residential areas with a view to making commuting by walking or cycling more feasible and attractive.
These include a €200,000 investment in bicycle stands at key locations in towns and villages around the county, including Moycullen, Oranmore, Clifden, Claregalway and Headford. Road safety measures adjacent to the secondary school in Claregalway will also be implemented as part of a €490,000 school safety investment.
The popular walking route from Oranmore village to Rinville Park will undergo a major upgrade along with three other locations in the vicinity as part of a €470,000 footway enhancement scheme.
Minister Naughton said that the substantial funding package for County Galway would provide locals with attractive alternatives to car travel, as well as encouraging people to get out and get active.
“The funding that I’ve provided through my department will markedly improve links between residential areas, public transport hubs and popular amenities, providing more options for commuters whether they’re travelling for work or leisure,” she said.
“This is good for the environment both ecologically and aesthetically, because it will reduce the number of cars on our roads, and also make our towns and villages more attractive with the addition of this infrastructure.”
A total of €365,000 will be used to enhance existing footways at seven locations including Barna, An Ceathrú Rua, Na Forbacha, Cill Chiaráin and Carna; while Headford is among seven other locations that will undergo similar works as part of a €400,000 investment.
Some €300,000 will be invested in pedestrian crossing schemes and junction tightening across the county, while €200,000 will be used for works under the Parkmore Transport Strategy.
A feasibility study on the provision of a coastal cycleway along the Coast Road from Oranmore to Roscam will be funded under the allocation. This would improve access to Oranmore Train Station for people living east of Galway City.
“We will see some significant improvements in the active travel infrastructure across the county as a result of this investment, and work should now commence immediately to bring these plans to fruition,” said Minister Naughton.
