Fianna Fáil TD for Galway West, John Connolly, has welcomed the announcement of funding for the Bearna Relief Rd project that will see the second phase of the planned road project developed.
The announcement forms part of a wider national investment programme announced by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne. Galway County Council included the development of this part of the Bearna Relief Rd as part of their application for funding.
In total, the projects across Co Galway have the ability to unlock up to 10,000 homes across Galway City and County through both direct and indirect impacts.The Western Section of the Bearna Relief Rd will involve the construction of a 340-metre road with upgraded junctions and improved pedestrian facilities to ease congestion and improve local connectivity.
Bearna will also benefit from investment through the Galway City Ring Road project.Funding for these projects will be provided through the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF ). The €1 billion fund was established by the Government this year and is administered by the new Housing Activation Office within the Department of Housing.
The HIIF is the largest housing infrastructure fund announced in Ireland in many years.
Speaking on the announcement, Deputy Connolly said:“This investment is welcome, The 2022 Galway Metropolitian Area Strategic Plan supports the completion of the Inner Relief Road to form a new village street with high-quality mixed-use development, which would further enhance the vitality and success of Bearna village.
“The new street would further enhance the quality of environment in the centre of the village and improve traffic safety, circulation and management in Bearna.”“The progression of this project must not be seen in isolation and should ensure that other transport infrastructure surrounding the area receives suitable enhancement to include for footpath and street lighting,” he concluded.
