New road parallel to railway line proposed

Date Published: 29-Feb-2008

The proposed €3 billion redevelopment of Ceannt Station and the docklands could be rejected unless a new road — running parallel with the railway line into the city — is built as a matter of urgency.

The warning came from a member of Galway Harbour Company, who said the road, which would linkwith the N6 and proposed Galway City Outer Bypass at Doughiska, could be a vital cog in the plan. The proposed new ‘waterfront city’ is set to provide a massive economic boost for Galway, and could generate up to €25 million each year from cruiseliners alone.

City councillor Brian Walsh, who sits on the HarbourCompany’s Strategic Development Sub-Committee, said the two major projects could be compromised because authorities believe they will add to the chaos on the existing road network.

He pointed out that under the City Development Plan, lands are set aside for a Quality Bus Corridor, which could be used to take port traffic. A route has already been proposed (see map), and according to Cllr Walsh, the road could also be placed on the opposite side of the railway line to minimise any impact on Renmore.

“Two of the city’s most exciting development projects will not proceed unless the crucial issue of road access is addressed. The additional traffic generated by both the Ceannt Station and new port facility would add chaos to the existing road networkwhich is already congested and for this reason alone, in my opinion, permission would not be granted for the developments,” said the former Mayor.

Cllr Walsh explained that the road can run parallel with the existing railway line, or alternatively on the opposite side of the line, which would help alleviate concerns from developers.

He said the docklands project in particular, would …………………..