Cllr Níall McNelis, the Deputy Mayor of the City of Galway, other councillors and officials have marked the start of the works on the Ballybane Road and Castlepark Road Cycle Network Scheme.
Galway City Council said that the construction on the Ballybane Road and Castlepark Road began this month and is scheduled for completion in Q3, 2026. It said that the project is being delivered by the Active Travel Department of Galway City Council and co-funded by the National Transport Authority and the Government’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.
On the Ballybane Road, the project runs between Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Galway and the Monivea Road, and the entirety of Castlepark Road between Ballybane Road and Monivea Road. It will serve ATU Galway, residential areas and commercial and community facilities.
The council also said that the project is designed to connect to the future BusConnects Galway: Dublin Road project, a planning application for which was recently submitted to An Bord Pleanála, and the council added that “a separate future cycling route is also planned in the coming years for Monivea Road”.
The council also highlighted that an opinion poll survey, published as part of the Walking and Cycling Index 2023 Report by the National Transport Authority, found that 88% of residents in Galway “support building more cycle paths physically separated from traffic and pedestrians, even when this would mean less room for other road traffic”.
Cllr Níall McNelis said: “This is a milestone project in the development of cycling and walking infrastructure in Galway. It will serve a large local community, as well as the considerable population of students and workers in this area.”
He added: “This scheme is also significant in that it will connect with future developments as part of the growing Galway Cycle Network which is vital in reducing private car use and easing congestion throughout our city.”
Leonard Cleary, chief executive of Galway City Council, said: “The Ballybane Road and Castlepark Road Cycle Network Scheme is the latest active travel project delivered in the city, following Droichead an Dóchais, the new pedestrian walkway along Wolfe Tone Bridge, as well as new schemes at Martin Junction, Doughiska Road South, Eglinton Canal and Millers Lane. Later this year, we will also begin the construction of new cycle lanes along Bóthar Stiofáin.
He added: “I want to acknowledge the support of our funding partners, the NTA and URDF, and of the other key stakeholders on this project, including councillors and the local community. I look forward to their continued support on the delivery of this ambitious investment programme for active travel in Galway.”
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, said: “The Ballybane Road and Castlepark Road Cycle Network Scheme is an excellent example of how partners can successfully work together to utilise my Department’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) finance.”
“As we continue to invest in housing, we must also provide the infrastructure that aligns with Government’s commitment to creating vibrant, liveable communities where walking, cycling, and public transport are accessible and attractive options,” he said.
He added: “By integrating cycling infrastructure with ongoing and future housing developments, we are building homes of the future that prioritise people, reduce congestion, and enhance quality of life for all.”
Joe Seymour, head of active travel investment at the National Transport Authority, said: “I am delighted to see Galway City Council progressing this much needed scheme for the city. When complete, it will make the local environment safer and more enjoyable for people who are walking, wheeling or on a bicycle.”
Given its location next to education facilities, shops, homes and its proximity to local bus stops, it has the potential to benefit thousands of people.”
Galway City Council said that it appointed Coffey Construction as the principal contractor following a competitive tender process, while AtkinsRéalis are the consultant engineers for the project.
More details can be found, and ongoing updates during the work are promised on the project’s page at galwaycity.