The Government has announced that Galway will be the beneficiary of from four new city traffic and road improvements as part of the jobs initiative. The €800,000 investment has been allocated from a €15 million fund for smarter travel and public transport projects.
City Hall will now host a €250,000 traffic control centre, which will monitor and control traffic lights, CCTV cameras, and variable messages signs. The same amount will be spent on a high quality Greenway cycle and pedestrian route from NUIG to Galway Cathedral which will tie into the city’s strategic cycling network and the Galway to Clifden cycle route.
A network of variable message signs, designed to provide road users with information and parking guidance will be initially installed on the eastern approaches to the city at a cost of €200,000, while €105,500 has been allocated to upgrading junctions, pedestrian crossings, and key bus routes. Among those to benefit will be University Road to Newcastle Road, St Francis Street to St Vincent’s Street and College Road to Lough Atalia.
The announcement has been warmly welcomed by Fine Gael TD for Galway West Sean Kyne: Seán Kyne said: “The announcement of the funding demonstrates that the Government is committed to implementing the measures contained in the Jobs Initiative without delay. Not only will the works provide much need employment in Galway but they will also go some way in improving the city’s traffic issues. In particular, the installation of variable message signs provide motorists with up-to-the-minute traffic information and can help keep traffic flowing.
“The quarter of a million euro in funding for the Greenway is very welcome and ties in with the commitment to tourism which the new Government is demonstrating. The provision of high-quality Greenways has proved enormously successful at other locations and such facilities will provide a boost to tourism stretching from the city and into Connemara.”
