The widening of a “dangerous stretch” of the Ballymoneen Road, north of the roundabout and south of the Slí Gheal estate, is set to become a reality following a land purchase.
The land purchase was necessary to progress the widening of the road. Galway City Council officials are now awaiting confirmation that the necessary paperwork relating to the transfer of the land is finalised.
Once this is done they will be in a position to undertake the works. All associated works relating to the road widening should be completed by the end of this year.
The news has been welcomed by Independent city councillor Donal Lyons, who has campaigned for a number of years to have this stretch of road widened, and have footpaths and public lighting installed.
“The road is very narrow and a nightmare for pedestrians,” he said. “After dark you are literally taking your life into your hands if one has to walk this stretch of road. There is no public lighting, no footpaths, and in places two vehicles are just about able to pass one another.”
According to Cllr Lyons, negotiations were taking place for some time to have the land purchased in order for the road widening to take place. However, the negotiations were prolonged as one of the land owners was resident outside of the country.
“Prior to the adoption of last year’s Galway City Council Budget I was instrumental in having funding for the works included,” said Cllr Lyons, “so that when the land purchase issues were finalised that this work could be undertaken as soon as the land was purchased.”