Galway City Council planning another pedestrian crossing over the Corrib

Plans for another new pedestrian bridge crossing the River Corrib have been included in the draft City Development Plan 2023-29, despite concerns about anti-social behaviour.

The planned new bridge crossing is in addition to the current bridge being constructed south of Salmon Weir.

It would link Newtownsmyth and Gaol Road, “which can contribute to the regeneration of Nun’s Island”, according to Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Brendan McGrath.

The specific objective in the draft plan said: “Investigate the potential for the construction of a new pedestrian bridge from Gaol Road to Newtownsmyth.”

During a Council meeting, Councillor Colette Connolly (Ind) said she had concerns that another pedestrian bridge could facilitate anti-social behaviour.

Residents in the vicinity of the planned bridge and at Nuns Island had already complained about anti-social behaviour, she said. She queried why it was included.

Helen Coleman, Senior Executive Planner at Galway City Council said that another pedestrian bridge would be beneficial for pedestrians trying to cross the river.

It would also promote and improve permeability, she said, which was a specific objective of the development plan.

Ms Coleman added that it would also be a recreational and amenity addition to the area and would contribute to the regeneration plans for Nuns Island.