Connemara roads branded a ‘death trap’

Connemara roads ‘are a death trap’ and a real disincentive for anyone to invest in the region, a local councillor has warned.
Cllr Pádraig Mac an Iomaire (FG) said at a Connemara Area Council meeting that on parts of the main R336 coast road, two trucks couldn’t pass and yet no progress was being made with the upgrade of the route.
“This road is a death trap and is part of a huge problem across Connemara where the roads are in a very bad state.
“We’re being told we have to wait for the decision on the ring road around Galway city but many of us can’t see that happening. In the meantime, our roads are just being left behind.
“The question has to be asked – who will invest in Connemara with the current state of our roads?” said Cllr Mac an Iomaire.
Cllr Eileen Mannion (FG), said that the delay in upgrading the R336 road was causing a lot of hardship and suffering in Connemara.
She appealed to people not to appeal any decision on the R336 when it would eventually get the go-ahead for an upgrade.
Cllr Tom Welby (Ind.) said that ‘something had to happen’ with the R336 in terms of its upgrade.
He said he was aware that there would be a problem in relation to some houses along the route but added: “that you can’t make an omelette without breaking an egg.”
According to Cllr Tomás Ó Curraoin, some of the driving on the Connemara roads ‘was suicidal’ with no patience being shown. “Someone will be killed,” he said.
Cllr Daithí Ó Cualáin (FF) said that the R336 was one of the busiest national roads in the region, but its upgrade was continuously being put back until a decision was made on the Galway city ring road.
“We’re ending up losing jobs and industry because we don’t have the roads infrastructure in place. We hear of continuing delays on any decision on the ring road [Galway city] – I would like to hear the view of the Green Party councillor [Alastair McKinstry] on the issue,” said Cllr Ó Cualáin.
Cllr McKinstry said that he agreed with the need for repairs and an upgrade of the R336, but this needed to be done on the basis of long-term planning. “The road is not up to scratch for all users,” he said.
Connemara Area Cathaoirleach, Cllr Seamus Walsh (FF) said that some of the driving on so-called rat-runs on Connemara roads – including the Furbo area – was ‘absolutely crazy’.
“I would advise parents not to let their children on bicycles to and from school. There’s no place to walk on those roads, not to mind cycling – it’s just not safe,” said Cllr Walsh.
Area Engineer, Damien Mitchell, said that the Council staff were as frustrated as the councillors in terms of progress being made on the R336.
He said that a decision from An Bord Pleanála on the Galway City Ring Road was due by November 19 next and while there were frustrations with such delays [ring road], it was important to get it all done properly.
“As regards the R336, we have gone to the Department on a number of occasions on this issue. We’re told that we will be starting from a clean slate so as regards traffic counts there’s no point in doing those until the project moves on,” said Mr Mitchell.
■ The R336 83km (c. 50 miles) road links Galway city to the N59 route at Leenane, via Barna, Spiddal, Inverin, Cashla, Screebe and Maam Cross.