Major works to improve safety measures at a dangerous stretch of road in the Salthill area are to begin in the New Year. A detailed outline of the proposed work in the Maunsells Road/Taylor’s Hill and Rosary Lane areas was given to councillors at this week’s meeting of the Galway City Council.
Plans include boundary wall reconstruction, road widening, and a a new 100 metre footpath to be developed along the western side of Maunsells Road, adjustments to the footpath at the Taylor’s Hill/Maunsells Road junction, and a new bus shelter at the existing bus stop on the north side of Taylor’s Hill.
Local councillor Peter Keane was commended by many of his colleagues for his sterling work on this issue. The Fine Gael representative welcomed the news that work will start shortly and said he was very happy that plans had been extended to incorporate other parts of Taylor’s Hill. ‘’What must be of paramount importance to Galway City Council is the safety of children, pedestrians and cyclists. Residents in the Maunsells Road/Park area have been waiting 30 years for a footpath. This plan does not come without a cost, there will be residents in the area who will be very much affected by the work and I commend them for their patience regarding this issue.’’
Councillor Pearce Flannery said it was an issue that was dear to his heart. ‘’I have been running around that area since I was a boy and it was even dangerous back then, when there was no cars on the road. This will save a child’s life. I am beseeching on all councillors here to support this plan, it’s one of the most dangerous roads in Galway.’’
Council engineer Frank Snowden outlined that funding for the work was in place under the Low Cost Safety Works scheme and further funding would be sought under that scheme next year. ‘’It is a huge project, hopefully if we get the required funding, work will begin in the New Year. It’s anticipated that it will take about two years in total.’’
