A new cycle and pedestrian path segregated from the main road, a new footpath, pedestrian crossing, and new kerb lines are now part of the entrance to the Connemara National Park at Letterfrack.
The works, which also involved erecting clearer safety signage and a new central island at the pedestrian crossing, have been completed since the easing of Covid-19 restrictions. The works were part of an overall widening of the N59, including at Letterfrack, near the entrance to Connemara National Park.
Senator Seán Kyne, acting Minister for the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht and the Islands, commended the Galway County Council for making such progress on what he called "a significant road safety project".
"This particular section of the main road has posed a great danger to pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, due to poor visibility," he said. "The new works will improve sightlines and visibility and make the road safer for all road-users."
The project did require the removal of trees near the entrance of the park. However, following representations from Sen Kyne, the National Park team has identified an area of similar size in which native woodland trees will be planted this year.
