Galway road users are being warned to expect major delays as roadworks are to begin on roads across city and county.
Just weeks before schoolchildren are welcomed back by teachers and schools countywide, both city and county councils have initiated plans to improve the Western Distributor and R336 to Barna in western Galway.
According to the city council, the Western Distributor will undergo works from the B&Q roundabout to the Cappagh Road, which entails making the route safer for cyclists and pedestrians.
Works on the 6km stretch will include improving cycling lanes, and visibility of speed signs, as well as the introduction of raised zebra crossings as a traffic calming measure.
"These crossings have been called for by myself and Donal Lyons as residents of Knocknacarra, and on behalf of residents and the various parents associations of the five schools in the area for many years," said city councillor Niall McNelis.
For the duration of the works, which may take several weeks, traffic will be reduced to a single lane in both directions, with occasional closures at off-peak times.
"While it is disappointing that all the works will not be completed before the start of the new school year, I have asked that these works remain a priority and be finished as soon as possible," he added.
This news, however, comes in tandem with county council plans to work on the R336 between Barna village and church, which will add to the traffic congestion problems in the western parts of the city.
The county council has claimed that "essential roadworks" are to begin on the 1.5km stretch, with traffic being reduced to a single lane, and major backlogs are expected due to the laying of a sewerage line which will connect with the main sewer system in Barna.
More than 500m of the line will be replaced before the schools return in September, according to county council.
City councillor Cathal O'Conchúir believes work on the roads is necessary, but presents an inevitable dilemma for planners.
"It is a catch 22 situation," he says. "If they do work on the road during the height of the summer season, hotels and tourists will be complaining. But if work is done during the winter, the evenings get shorter, and we have longer delays.
"It really is very hard to please everyone when it comes to the roads in Galway," says O'Conchúir, who feels locals need to be conscious of the greater good, and avoid becoming stressed by the situation.
"I think we need to put up with the inconvenience, and plan accordingly, knowing that roadworks are in place."
The road will be manned by temporary traffic lights from August 15, with works expected to be finished by August 26.
