More than €4 million has been allocated for works on the N59 Galway to Clifden road, along with €4.5 million for surface works on the N84 Headford Road, as part of a €26,167 million Government investment in Galway’s national road network.
The €4.94 million for the N59 will fund works between Clifden and Oughterard, including between Maam Cross and Bunakill, will involve road widening at Letterfrack; pavement strengthening works on the Galway side of Oughterard, on the northern approach to Clifden, and on the Clifden side of Maam Cross; and also go towards progress on the Moycullen Bypass.
Minister for Community Development, Natural Resources, and Digital Development, and Fine Gael TD for Galway West, Seán Kyne, said the allocation was “particularly important” and “will facilitate works that will improve the condition of roads and road safety”.
The allocation of €4,505,808 for the Headford Road has been made by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and will deal mostly with the surfaces between Corrandulla Barracks and Clonboo; Castlequarter to Corrandulla; Coarsefield; and along the stretch into Ballindooley including the northern approach to Ballindooley and the southern approach to Clonboo in the opposite direction.
Independent city councillor James Charity has welcomed the funding, calling it both “significant” and “long overdue”, particularly as traffic volume on the road has “significantly increased in recent times”. The Oranmore-Athenry ward councillor has raised concerns about the state of the road surface, pointing out in particular, the conditions of the road from Luimnagh to Ballindooley.
It is also understood that the Minister For Transport, Shane Ross, has referred the road to the TII for further examination and consideration. Cllr Charity said the installation of a hard shoulder should be considered as part of any future measures undertaken.
The €26.167 million fund – up from €21.6 million in 2017 – will also see €2 million to progress the Galway Ring Road for which the planning application will be submitted in the coming weeks; €424,424 to improve the old N18 near the Carrowmoneesh Roundabout; €200,000 for further works on the Luimnagh Realignment Scheme on the N84; €50,000 for traffic calming works at Claregalway; and €500,000 for improvements to Bothar na dTreabh as well as funding for pavement improvements, maintenance and route lighting.
“The increase in the funding for Galway’s national roads demonstrates the Government’s commitment to investment in infrastructure,” said Minister Kyne. “I know both Galway county and city councils will put this funding to use for the benefit of residents and communities across Galway this year.”
