Major county roads projects blamed for shop closures

Retailers in towns and villages across County Galway fear being wiped out by a slump in trade associated with new roads projects.
Moycullen businesses face the ‘end of the road’ because of ongoing roadworks, which are driving shoppers away from the Connemara village.
And businesses in Corofin and North Galway near the route of the new M17/18 motorway, which is under construction, are under pressure due to road closures that are deterring customers.
Delays and lengthy tailbacks due to roadworks associated with a section of the new Moycullen bypass are causing huge frustration for locals, tourists and commuters.
The village is so chock-a-block with cars waiting to get through the ‘stop and go’ one-way traffic system that shoppers are avoiding Moycullen, which is putting a huge strain on traders.
Already one long-established shop has announced it has been forced to close, and several others say they are teetering on the brink.
The new road is not expected to be finished until Christmas, sparking fears of further closures. And locals have expressed concerns that the ‘fabric of the community’ will be lost if more local shops follow suit and fold.
Meanwhile, businesses in Corofin, in particular, and along the route of the new Tuam/Gort section of the Galway to Limerick motorway, are reporting tough times due to the construction.
Galway East TD Colm Keaveney (FF) said Government needs a revitalisation programme in rural areas affected by large scale infrastructure projects.
Deputy Keaveney said: “Several people in Corofin have expressed concerns about the impact the construction of the new motorway is having on the area – one local shop has already closed.
“Residents are in favour of the new road and it will do much to remove some of the traffic, particularly HGVs, from the Tuam to Athenry road and will make it safer for all road users. However, there are concerns about the long-term economic impact on the area, given that some roads into the village will be closed well into next year.”
Galway County Councillor Noel Thomas (FF) said the Moycullen works have caused traffic “chaos”, and he has been inundated with complaints.
“Businesses are hurting. Some are reporting that trade is down by 50%, some are down 40%. We are compiling official figures and we’ll know more next week but businesses are definitely being hit. You’d hope that people wouldn’t be turned off shopping but the reality is that’s what businesses are experiencing. The message is that Moycullen is open for business,” he said.