Following months of local speculation concerning where the soon-to-be ex-president, and his wife, Sabina Higgins, may move to in Galway city, Higgins confirmed in a recent radio interview that they will return to Rahoon after residing in Áras an Uchtaráin since his election in 2011.
Speaking to RTÉ Radio One’ Second Captains Saturday show, Higgins said he will “do his best to have the place looking alright” for his successor before he and Sabina leave the old Viceregal Lodge in Phoenix Park after 14 years.
Galway City west ward councillor, Councillor Eddie Hoare (FG ), has confirmed that long-awaited resurfacing works on Circular Road will commence in coming weeks, describing the project as “very welcome, but long overdue.”
It is understood the works have been prioritised after a number of residents and road users raised concerns about the deteriorating road surface on this busy commuter route which links Bishop O’Donnell Road with the N59 to Clifden.
Resurfacing works are currently planned from the junction of Circular Road and Siobhan McKenna Road, next to Westside Running Track, up to the junction with Letteragh Road, around 150m shy of the Higgins’ family house.
However Councillor Hoare has requested that the resurfacing contract be extended to include a further 500m of the L1020 Circular Road, past the Higgins’ home, as far as the Bailey Estate entrance, toward Upper Dangan.
“This is a route used daily by hundreds of residents, school children, and commuters. The resurfacing will significantly improve safety for all road users: motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike,” said Hoare, who praised the local authority’s Roads Department for prioritising the project.
The revamp will include full resurfacing, and improvements to road markings where necessary. It is expected to take a number of weeks to complete.
“I want to thank residents for their continued engagement and patience while we worked to secure funding and scheduling for these improvements. These works will link-up the newly upgraded junction at Siobhan McKenna Road, and this connectivity is key for all road users,” said Hoare, who labelled the current Circular Road-Letteragh Road T-junction as “very dangerous”. He wants an upgrade of footpaths and safe crossings to be “urgently” considered.
Hoare further welcomed the recent resurfacing at Gortacleva Road and Letteragh Road, and said he has asked for nearby Ballagh Road to be prioritised in the 2026 Roads Programme.
