City councillors Peter Keane (FF ) and Dónal Lyons (Ind ) have welcomed the completion of the acquisition of private lands at Mincloon Junction by Galway City Council, paving the way for long-awaited improvement works at what has become a recognised accident blackspot in recent years.
The Councillors noted that the delivery of several new housing estates in the Knocknacarra area with the consequent increase in population has resulted in a significant increase in traffic volumes across the surrounding road network, particularly along Boleybeg and Rahoon Road.
This growth has intensified safety concerns for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists using the junction daily. Welcoming the land acquisition, Cllr Dónal Lyons said that the priority must now be to progress a comprehensive scheme of works to redesign Mincloon Junction and improve safety for all road users.
“I have long been advocating for improvement works at this location, and the acquisition of the necessary land from the private landowner was the urgent first step in that process,” Cllr Lyons said.
“Now that this hurdle has been cleared, we need to see a clear and timely plan brought forward to make this junction safer for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists alike.”
Cllr Peter Keane also welcomed the completion of the acquisition and stressed that any proposed improvement works must address existing deficiencies along the wider corridor.“
Any redesign of Mincloon Junction must take full account of the lack of adequate footpaths, cycle lanes and public lighting on Rahoon Road right up to the junction with Clybaun Road,” Cllr Keane said. “These shortcomings pose daily challenges for residents and commuters and must be addressed as part of an integrated scheme.”
Both Councillors said they will continue to work with Galway City Council to ensure that a detailed scheme of works is brought forward as a matter of priority, delivering the much-needed safety and infrastructure improvements for the growing Knocknacarra area.
