Galway City Council to improve info stream to the public

Galway City Council officials have admitted that they will need to improve communications with city businesses, commuters, and local residents regarding controversial roadworks at Lough Atalia Road which will have a major impact on traffic all across the city.

Funding of €600,000 towards the project to lower the road under the railway bridge was confirmed last week by the Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, paving the way for the project to go ahead between October and December of this year.

The final cost of the project, which will involve the closure of a section of road for two months, is expected to exceed €1m and officials expect it to be completed by Christmas.

The bridge has been struck by high-sided vehicles eight times since 2008 and the road works will allow heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) to pass under the bridge without having to move into the middle of the road.

Officials were accused of failing to engage with local businesses and residents about the extent and impact of the road works at two City Council meetings last month, although a spokesman said that plans were being put in place to improve communications.

The spokesman, who welcomed confirmation of Government funding this week, said it was expected that work would commence in October.

See full story in today’s Sentinel.