A decision is due by next April on whether Galway City Council can proceed with plans for a huge revamp of public transportation in the city.
The city council has submitted a planning application to An Bord Pleanála for its BusConnects Cross-City Link.
The plans are for a 6.7km route from University Road to the Dublin Road, with massive upgrades to infrastructure for public transport, cyclists and pedestrians.
The development will be on existing roads providing improved walking, cycling and bus infrastructure on the key access corridor, and will remove through traffic in the city centre.
Access for ‘destination’ traffic will be maintained, but re-routed in many locations to provide access to premises and car parks.
Loading for businesses along the proposed road development will also be maintained, but also altered and restricted to specific times and routes.
The city bus network routes will be changed to use the corridor, providing more frequent services with reliable journey times.
A decision on this planning application is due from An Bord Pleanála by April 3 of 2023.
An Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Natura Impact Statement have been submitted with this planning application.
It, and all the associated documentation, can be found on the dedicated website here.
The Bord is also due to rule on a Compulsory Purchase Order that is part of the scheme by the same date.
