Long-awaited road safety scheme for Galway school to enter construction phase
A long-awaited road safety scheme for Scoil na bhForbacha in Furbo, Co Galway, is finally set to move to construction next month, almost four years after being added to the Safe Routes to School programme.
The SRTS for Scoil na bhForbacha in Furbo has entered Phase 6, the construction phase, and works are expected to begin in September according to Galway West TD John Connolly.
The National Transport Authority added Scoil na bhForbacha to the second round of the SRTS programme in 2022, with Galway County Council tasked with delivering the project. Works are now set to get underway as part of efforts to improve safety for pupils and pedestrians.
The school is located along the R336, a busy route linking Connemara with Galway city, and the proposed measures are largely focused on improving pedestrian safety.
Plans presented during public consultation include a raised zebra crossing directly opposite the school, along with additional pedestrian crossing facilities by the filling station and Montessori facility. Both will feature signalised crossings.
The junction near the school will also be tightened to reduce crossing distances, while uncontrolled pedestrian crossings will be provided across the road leading to the school. School zone signage, road markings and pencil bollard signage are also included in the plans.
The Furbo scheme has remained on the SRTS programme since 2022, with local parents and students repeatedly calling for it to be prioritised.
Community protest in 2025 over the need for increased road safety.
In April 2025, residents from Barna, Furbo, Spiddal and Inverin staged a protest along the R336 between 8am and 8.45am, during school travel times, to demand action on safety issues along the heavily trafficked route.
The Irish Independent previously reported that more than 5,000 vehicles travel through Furbo towards Galway city each day on average, with 81pc exceeding the village’s 50kmh speed limit.
When the Furbo SRTS scheme went to public consultation last September, it was broadly welcomed by the community.
However, some residents argued the proposals did not go far enough to address the needs of schoolchildren, citing the absence of reduced speed limits outside the school and signalised pedestrian crossings.
Deputy Connolly welcomed the new design with signalised crossings and it’s reflection of that community feedback.
“It is particularly encouraging that local feedback has been listened to throughout the design process. This project as an investment in safer school access will improve road safety, encourage active travel and enhance the daily journey for children and families,” he said.