Deputy Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Níall McNelis has turned the sod to mark the beginning of construction on the Ballybane Road and Castlepark Road Cycle Network Scheme. The scheme will include new cycle lanes on both roads, as well as junction realignments, raised crossings and landscaping. The project will encourage more people to choose active travel by providing a safe and attractive route for the many walkers, wheelers and cyclists along both roads. Construction on the Ballybane Road and Castlepark Road began this month and is scheduled for completion in Quarter 3, 2026.
This project is being delivered by the Active Travel Department of Galway City Council. It is co-funded by the National Transport Authority and the government’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund. Construction will take place along the length of Ballybane Road, between Atlantic Technological University (ATU) and the Monivea Road, and the entirety of Castlepark Road between Ballybane Road and Monivea Road. This area includes ATU and a host of other commercial, industrial and community facilities. The scheme also serves a large community of residents living in the vicinity of both roads.
Deputy Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Níall McNelis welcomed this scheme as he performed the ceremonial sod turning at a ceremony today. “This is a milestone project in the development of cycling and walking infrastructure in Galway. It will serve a large local community, as well as the considerable population of students and workers in this area. This scheme is also significant in that it will connect with future developments as part of the growing Galway Cycle Network which is vital in reducing private car use and easing congestion throughout our city.”
Chief Executive of Galway City Council Leonard Cleary says the project is a testament to Galway City Council’s commitment to delivering active travel infrastructure. “The Ballybane Road and Castlepark Road Cycle Network Scheme is the latest active travel project delivered in the city, following Droichead an Dóchais, the new pedestrian walkway along Wolfe Tone Bridge, as well as new schemes at Martin Junction, Doughiska Road South, Eglinton Canal and Miller’s Lane. Later this year, we will also begin the construction of new cycle lanes along Bóthar Stiofáin.
“I want to acknowledge the support of our funding partners, the NTA and URDF, and of the other key stakeholders on this project including Councillors and the local community. I look forward to their continued support on the delivery of this ambitious investment programme for active travel in Galway.”
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne said: “The Ballybane Road and Castlepark Road Cycle Network Scheme is an excellent example of how partners can successfully work together to utilise my Department’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) finance.
“As we continue to invest in housing, we must also provide the infrastructure that aligns with Government’s commitment to creating vibrant, liveable communities where walking, cycling, and public transport are accessible and attractive options.
“By integrating cycling infrastructure with ongoing and future housing developments, we are building homes of the future that prioritise people, reduce congestion, and enhance quality of life for all.”
Joe Seymour, Head of Active Travel Investment at the National Transport Authority said: ‘I am delighted to see Galway City Council progressing this much needed scheme for the city. When complete, it will make the local environment safer and more enjoyable for people who are walking, wheeling or on a bicycle. Given its location next to education facilities, shops, homes and its proximity to local bus stops, it has the potential to benefit thousands of people.’
Galway City Council has appointed Coffey Construction Ltd. as principal contractors following a competitive tender process. AtkinsRéalis are the consultant engineers on the project. As the construction works progress, updates on this project will be posted on the Galway City Council website.
The Ballybane Road and Castlepark Road Cycle Network Scheme will connect with the future BusConnects Galway: Dublin Road project, which will deliver a significant enhancement of bus infrastructure along the entire length of Dublin Road. A consent application for this project has recently been submitted to An Bord Pleanála. A separate future cycling route is also planned in the coming years for Monivea Road.
The construction of the Ballybane Road and Castlepark Road Cycle Network Scheme is in line with the strategic aims of the Galway Transport Strategy, which seeks to promote and encourage sustainable transport, and, in particular, to make it convenient and attractive to walk, cycle or use public transport.
The Walking and Cycling Index 2023 Report, published by the National Transport Authority, included an independent, representative survey of 1,100 people from across Galway City and surrounding towns within the Galway Metropolitan Area.
Its findings included:
- 88% of residents support building more cycle paths physically separated from traffic and pedestrians, even when this would mean less room for other road traffic
- Most residents would like to see more spending on walking and wheeling (72%) and on cycling (77%).
- Residents want more funding for walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport and less for driving infrastructure.
- Walking, wheeling and cycling already deliver significant health, economic and environmental benefits in Galway.
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Notes
In full, the Ballybane Road and Castlepark Road Cycle Network Scheme will include:
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The provision of a 2m raised adjacent cycle track and 2m footpath on both sides of Ballybane Road and Castlepark Road, reducing in places where constraints exist.
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Reduction in road carriageway widths (typically 3m wide lanes).
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Junction realignments and the introduction of raised crossings on all side roads to prioritise pedestrian movements.
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Straight through cycle lane/track crossings on all side road junctions to prioritise cyclists’ movements.
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The provision of signalised crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.
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Upgrading of the R865 Ballybane Road / L5029 Castlepark Road junction and L5029 Castlepark Road / R339 Monivea Road junction to signalised junctions with provision for pedestrians and cyclists.
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The introduction of pedestrian and shared crossing points at several locations.
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The provision of landscaping along the routes.
The Walking and Cycling Index Report 2023 can be read by clicking on this link.
