Galway Cycling Campaign has welcomed the reopening of Miller’s Lane after a long project to improve and renew the old walking and cycling link between Rahoon and Kingston. It is now accessible to use by all ages and abilities.
Speaking at the reopening on Monday, chairperson Reg Turner said that positive changes are happening at last across the streets of Galway.
“In the past month we have welcomed the opening of the new Walking and Cycling Bridge at the city centre’s Salmon Weir, the transformation of Martin Roundabout to a signalised junction on the east side, and the reopening of Miller’s Lane on the west side.”
“The upgrading of Miller’s Lane now enables hundreds of children to walk or cycle to school and to pitches safely away from motor traffic. It also creates four new walking loops. Every carer pushing a buggy and holding a toddler’s hand will be delighted that the ‘kissing gate’ barriers have been removed. We hope to see that happening in Terryland Forest Park and at South Park too,” Reg continued.
“Miller’s Lane compliments Galway City Council’s Greening the Laneways project. They show how useful, safe and attractive permeablity linkages are to connect people from where they live to where they shop, play, and go to school and work,” he concluded.
Martina Callanan, deputy chair of Galway Cycling Campaign, welcomed the new toucan crossing for cyclers and walkers at Western Distributor Road. “The green light appears only five seconds after pressing the button, which gives people driving the opportunity to safely slow down and stop.”
“When you use Miller’s Lane, note the creation of grass and gravel verges for dogs to do their business (and humans to scoop ), the wildflowers, and the animal-friendly lighting. And if you’re on a bike, use your bells so walking folks know you’re passing!” she said.
“Shared spaces like Miller’s Lane work best when all road users respect and expect to see each other. The gold standard continues to be separate and protected spaces for walking and cycling.”
The completed scheme includes lighting along the route, and pedestrian crossings at Gort na Bró and the Rahoon Road to improve connectivity. Miller’s Lane links into the wider Galway City Cycle Network, supporting active travel beyond the Knocknacarra/ Rahoon area, and supports access to the Galway bus network.
The planting along Miller’s Lane aims to actively promote and encourage the success of bio-diverse species within the site and integrate as part of the complex and far wider environmental systems.
The design of the landscaping takes inspiration from the countryside laneways of Connemara, using the existing stone walls on the lane, native wildflower and grass species provide a sense of rurality in an urban setting. Tree planting has been selected with native stock, mirroring those species that are often seen protected by the walls in the Connemara landscape.
