Local authorities move to tackle Parkmore traffic crisis

A series of measures are being considered to deal with chronic traffic problems at the Parkmore Industrial Estate on the eastern side of the city – where more than 6,000 workers face daily delays of up to 45 minutes to exit the estate.

A new exit from the estate – which is the base for some of Galway’s biggest employers including Medtronic, Merit Medical and SAP – is before planners and expected to be constructed before Easter next year.

Meanwhile, Liam Gavin, the County Council’s Director of Services for Transportation and Infrastructure said this week that a working group has been formed to look at further solutions, including filter lanes and traffic light sequencing on the Tuam Road and Monivea Road.

Cllr Jim Cuddy (Ind) raised the issue at this week’s meeting of the Athenry-Oranmore Municipal District.

Mr Gavin responded: “What has happened to date is that a working group has been set up between the City and County Councils and we’ve met with business interests to look at the issues.

“A report has been done, and there are a number of recommendations, including creating left and right turning lanes, particularly at the Monivea Road end, and for traffic lights at the Tuam Road end, and a new entrance/exit, which is part of a separate application by the IDA,” said Mr Gavin.

For more on the Parkmore traffic solutions, see this week’s Galway City Tribune