An extension of Galway’s busiest bus route to benefit workers in the important employment hub of Parkmore has been hailed as a positive development. Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Seán Canney, has officially opened the Parkmore Road Bus Priority Scheme which has facilitated the expansion of the Bus Éireann operated bus route into Parkmore Business Park West.
The Parkmore Road Bus Priority Project has delivered a new bus lane along Parkmore Road from the Business Park roundabout towards the Monivea Road junction. The new bus lane allows bus journey times to be reduced, facilitating the expansion of the 409 bus service into Parkmore Business Park. New bus stops (Northbound and Southbound) have been constructed by Galway City Council in Parkmore, at Medtronic and Celestica. The new service came into operation on March 9.
The bus service now offers passengers working in Parkmore Business Park West more convenient journeys as bus stops are now located closer to workplaces. Overall journey times are largely unaffected as the new bus lane has reduced journey times for buses along Parkmore Road. By providing this new infrastructure and enhanced service, it is hoped that the initiative is to encourage a modal shift away from the private car, and to increase the number of people opting to travel by public transport.
The expansion of the bus service has also been supported by the National Transport Authority and by the Industrial Development Agency (IDA). The move has also been supported by businesses in Parkmore, including members of the Parkmore Traffic Action Group.
Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney, said: “I’m delighted to officially open the Parkmore Road Bus Priority project, which supports the many businesses based in this area and the estimated 10,000 people who work here. The extension of the 409 bus route and the provision of the new bus corridor will not only make it easier, faster and safer for people to travel between their homes and their workplace, it will also ease congestion on the roads around Parkmore and improve air quality. This project shows how improved public transport options not only contribute to decarbonisation of transport, but bring benefit to people in their daily lives.”
Leonard Cleary, Chief Executive, Galway City Council said: “A key objective of Galway City Council is to support and promote sustainable transport, including public transport. This is essential to reducing traffic congestion throughout our city, including in Parkmore. The recently completed works at Parkmore, which have facilitated the expansion of this bus route, demonstrates how collaboration among various stakeholders can deliver real benefits for the public. I want to thank our partners who have contributed to deliver this initiative, and the Galway City Council staff for their dedication.
“Parkmore Business Park is a vital employment hub for Galway and the wider western region, and we are pleased to have delivered a new bus lane, enhancing the bus service to better meet demand. Galway City Council remains committed to working with all relevant stakeholders on initiatives throughout the city ensuring continued investment in sustainable transport solutions.”
“Bus Éireann is delighted to introduce this extension on Route 409, from Eyre Square to Parkmore Business Park,” said Brian Connolly, Senior Operations Officer West, Bus Éireann. “These improvements are the result of a strong collaboration between the NTA, Galway City Council and Bus Éireann to enhance connectivity across the city. Last year we carried over 6.7million passengers in Galway City and route 409 has shown the highest growth rate across the network, carrying almost 2 million passengers. The enhancement of this route will positively impact passengers commuting for work in Galway; offering an affordable, reliable and sustainable bus service – connecting communities throughout the city, helping to make life better.”
Joe Seymour, Assistant Director, Transport Planning and Investment at the National Transport Authority, said ‘The delivery of this scheme and the extension of the 409 bus service is a really good example of how we are investing in infrastructure that gives more people more choice when it comes to how they get around. Galway City Council understood the demand for an improved bus service in and out of Parkmore and have worked closely with the NTA and other partners to deliver such a positive outcome that will benefit the many people who work in and around Parkmore.’
Ricky Conneely, IDA Ireland Regional Manager for West said: “IDA Ireland client companies are continually seeking to recruit and retain high-quality talent in what is a very competitive market. The provision of dependable public transport links such as this new bus service will help businesses in Parkmore to attract and hold on to staff. I wish to commend all parties involved in delivering this important initiative.”
The Parkmore Bus Priority Project has been led by the Active Travel Department of Galway City Council and funded by the National Transport Authority. In addition to the new bus lane, six new bus stops have been constructed along the road as well as four new signalised crossings. New high-quality footpaths were constructed, and junctions have been tightened to reduce vehicle speeds, improving safety for pedestrians. Upgrade works were also completed at the Monivea Road Signalised Junction. Construction works began in February 2024 and the project was substantially completed ahead of schedule in December 2024.
The new bus lane facilitates the 401 and 409 bus routes. It will also be utilised extensively following the rollout of the Galway Bus Network Redesign, which is being led by the NTA and will be rolled out in the coming years. A planning application has been lodged with Galway County Council to construct a permanent turning circle, including rest facilities for drivers, and this will be delivered in the coming months subject to planning approval.
The project has been supported by the Parkmore Traffic Action Group, the IDA and Galway County Council. Construction works were undertaken by Jons Civil Engineering, on behalf of Galway City Council, and consultants DBFL were appointed to deliver this project.
