Taoiseach Leo Varadkar this morning officially opened the new N59 Mpycullen Bypass which reduces journey times between Galway City and Connemara.
The project has been delivered over the past two years by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with Galway County Council, and is funded by the Department of Transport.
Speaking at the event today the Taoiseach said, “It is a great pleasure to officially open the Moycullen bypass.”
“This road will mean more efficient journeys for people travelling to work, college and public services. It will reduce congestion locally and provide for safer road travel.”
“We have spread investment across the country in a balanced way that promotes the development of thriving cities and rural communities.”
“The Galway area is pivotal to this, with a vibrant city and a hinterland of rural villages where people choose to build their lives.”
“By improving our roads and connectivity, we make these communities more attractive places to live and work, developing our country in a sustainable way. While benefiting residents daily, it will also improve the experience of the many visitors to this beautiful region.”
Taoiseach Varadkar added that it was originally hoped that the Bypass would be built alongside the Galway City Rind Road. He said that he understands the frustration people must feel that the larger project is still waiting.
“The construction of the Galway ring road is an important next step and will free up the city and road space within the city for pedestrians and cyclists, making it more attractive to residents, tourists and investors.”
Leas Chathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Dr Evelyn Parsons said, “This significant piece of infrastructure has been a long time coming and its completion finally eases the longstanding traffic congestion issues in Moycullen.”
During peak periods the Bypass will reduce journey times from Galway City to Clifden by at least 20 minutes, she added.
The construction of the nN59 Maigh Cuilinn Bypass has involved the delivery of 4.3km of new national secondary road, improvements to 3km of local roads, 1.7 km of accommodation roads and 10 structures.
The Bypass connects to the existing N59 at two new roundabout junctions on either side of the village and provides significant improvements to shared walking and cycling infrastructure.
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council said, “This new road will significantly reduce volumes of traffic, in particular heavy goods vehicles that pass through Maigh Cuilinn every day.”
“It will bring many benefits to the local community, including reduced noise and air pollution and greater accessibility throughout the village to enhance economic opportunities for local businesses.”
“Quality connectivity through the provision of large-scale infrastructure projects is central to our efforts to promote sustainable development in County Galway and to attract inward investment to the West of Ireland.”
“Landmark projects such as this truly are the foundations on which we, as a local authority, can and must continue our work of building sustainable and vibrant communities across County Galway.”
