Press release
Ministers Ryan and Naughton welcome next stage in Galway Cross-City Bus Link
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Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Transport is pleased to announce that an application to An Bord Pleanála for the BusConnects Galway: Galway Cross-City Link will be made by Galway City Council this week. 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. It sets the foundation for the delivery of the overall Galway BusConnects programme and it is a key aspect of the Galway Transport Strategy 2016-2036.
This scheme will provide a fast and reliable bus route across Galway city centre. The Cross-City Link will improve the quality of public transport in the city, so that more homes, schools and businesses are within 10 minutes’ walk of a high-frequency bus service. This corridor will also provide high-quality footpaths, pedestrian crossings and segregated cycling facilities.
In addition to providing bus priority through the central city area, the Cross-City Link will see new traffic management schemes implemented in the city, including a combination of traffic restrictions on certain streets, dedicated bus priority along portions of the route and amendments to traffic circulation.
Minister Ryan said:
"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."
Minister Naughton added:
"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."
Brendan McGrath, Chief Executive of Galway City Council, commented:
"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."
Subject to An Bord Pleanála granting the application and Compulsory Purchase Order for the lands necessary for the scheme, Galway City Council will commence the tender process for construction of the scheme.
BusConnects programmes represent a strategic investment priority for the Department of Transport under the National Development Plan 2021-2030, and they involve significantly enhanced bus infrastructure and services in five cities across Ireland, covering Galway, Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Dublin.
BusConnects Galway is funded by the Department of Transport, through the NTA. It is viewed as a key enabler of a modal shift to increased public transport use in the Galway urban area.