Low levels of disruption expected from Parkmore area redevelopment

The Parkmore Road Bus Priority Scheme began in earnest on Monday. The goal of the scheme is to increase the use of bus services in the area.

Work began to improve the Parkmore area on 19 February. Work is expected to take place for the remainder of the year with a deadline of early 2025 touted for completion.

A new bus lane and high-quality footpaths are some of the new features that will be installed in the redevelopment plan.

A price on the cost of the redevelopment has yet to be muted with the workload being distributed into three quarters.

Environmental Safety

Members of the Parkmore area have been assured of their safety during the redevelopment by the Galway City Council.

Gavin Grace, a spokesperson for Galway City Council, said, “The objective of these works is to provide improved public transport facilities through the construction of a new priority bus lane, while also providing a safer pedestrian environment and connecting the various businesses and amenities in the Parkmore area.”

Some of the work which will take place will also be done at night. The move to do some of the hard maintenance in the late hours is another important step with regards to keeping a steady flow of traffic.

The Mayor of Galway, Eddie Hoare, has stated that a two-way system will be introduced to help the area during peak times. Cllr Hoare still expects delays to occur, with congestion one of the primary factors that could crop up.

Galway East TD Sean Canney is hopeful that the work done in Parkmore will be a stepping stone on easing traffic in the city. “We have a problem with traffic in Galway, this is just the overall jigsaw to get things started,” said Deputy Canney.

Deputy Canney would also like to see ring roads dispersed in order to help people coming in and out of the city with work and travel.

Bus Incentive

The main bus stop in Parkmore is from Bus Éireann, who run buses in and out of Parkmore daily.

“Enhanced Bus Priority Services will be able to run quicker, consistently and [at] a higher frequency which will be a positive for bus users.” said Cllr Hoare. “It will have a positive intervention which will enhance bus offerings into Galway city.” 

“The renovation of the Parkmore bus area also has the potential to spread to other parts of the country quicker,” added Cllr Hoare. Cllr Hoare has seen instances of people being able to get in and out of the city more quickly in their cars rather than using the bus.

Deputy Canney wants to see people in the city use public transport more so than cars with the beginning of the project in Parkmore.

“It’s important to get people out of their cars and into public transport in the long run,” said Deputy Canney.