Fianna Fáil candidate for the Galway West by election, Cllr Cillian Keane, has said that Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Galway County Council should include a bus lane as part of the current €2.5 million resurfacing works on the N83.
He said the section of the Tuam to Galway road from McHugh’s pub towards Galway city should incorporate a dedicated bus corridor, extending as far as the junction at Castlegar Church.
Speaking on the issue, Cllr Keane said:
“This section of road experiences significant congestion during morning peak times and we must prioritise bus travel if we want commuters to switch to public transport.
“It is difficult to understand how a road that has been widened to more than 10 metres does not include provision for a bus corridor leading into the city.”
Cllr Keane also noted that Transport Infrastructure Ireland is currently progressing plans to acquire a park and ride site at Loughgeorge, north of Claregalway, and said it is essential that supporting infrastructure is put in place.
“With plans for a park and ride facility, it is vital that a bus corridor is provided along this section of the N83 to ensure efficient access to the city.
“The resurfaced road is wider than the section at Claregalway, where existing bus lanes have proven very effective in prioritising public transport.”
He added that if there is a genuine commitment to improving public transport, the current road design must be reconsidered.
“I am calling on Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Active Travel section of Galway County Council to revise the road design so that new markings can provide a dedicated bus corridor where delays regularly occur.”
He concluded by saying that the existing bus lane approaching Claregalway should also be extended towards the city, as evening traffic regularly stretches back as far as Corinthians Rugby Club.
