Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has announced that Galway City Council will make an application to An Bord Pleanála for the BusConnects Galway: Galway Cross-City Link this week, according to a statement published on Gov.ie.
Details
This scheme will provide for a new bus priority corridor through Galway city centre, connecting the west and the east of the city from University Road to the Dublin Road, and sets the foundation for the delivery of the overall Galway BusConnects programme and is a key aspect of the Galway Transport Strategy 2016-2036, according to the statement published on Gov.ie, which also noted that this scheme will provide a fast and reliable bus route across Galway city centre, as well as high-quality footpaths, pedestrian crossings, segregated cycling facilities, the implementation of new traffic management schemes.
Additionally, according to the statement published on Gov.ie, subject to An Bord Pleanála approving the application and Compulsory Purchase Order for the lands necessary for the scheme, Galway City Council will begin the tender process for the construction of the scheme.
Statements
The statement published on Gov.ie quoted Minister Ryan as saying, "I am delighted that the Galway Cross-City Link has now reached a significant milestone towards delivery with today’s planning application. This scheme is important in providing for more sustainable connectivity in Galway, improving both the quality of people's lives and the city centre, while also contributing to our ambitious decarbonisation targets."
The statement published on Gov.ie quoted Minister Naughton as saying, "The Galway Cross-City Link provides Galway with a better public and active travel environment by creating safe and accessible public spaces, with clean and quiet streets. By connecting the east and west of the city, people will have improved access to essential services and recreational facilities within a ten-minutes' walk of a frequent bus service."
The statement published on Gov.ie quoted Galway City Council chief executive Brendan McGrath as saying, "The Cross-City Link is one of the major projects identified for Galway City as part of the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS). The GTS was developed by Galway City Council, Galway County Council, and the National Transport Authority in 2016, and set out a framework for the transformation of Galway's transport networks over the sort, medium and long-term. Other key projects progressing at present include the Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge, Martin Junction Upgrade, and the Galway City Cycle Network, with the BusConnects Galway: Dublin Road scheme also under development. Galway City Council welcomes the support of the Department of Transport for these projects, which will have a transformative effect on transport in Galway City."
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