Optimism grows for Corrib Cycle Bridge
HOPES for a pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Corrib have been revived as the project is moving forward despite the withdrawal of National Transport Authority funding last year.
The Clifden Railway Bridge, which is an integral part of the proposed Connemara Greenway, is now moving to the next stage, Galway City Council officials have said.
Fears had been expressed that the scheme could be scuppered after the National Transport Authority (NTA) withdrew support for the project as “no longer viable”.
Director of Services Derek Pender described the latest developments as “good news” for the initiative.
“We have been pushing hard for the pedestrian and cycle bridge and advocating for the project,” he said.
“The good news is that we can proceed.”
Speaking at this month’s Central Local Area Committee meeting, Mr Pender said the Council is confident the project can now move forward to the next stage.
Even though NTA support was withdrawn last year, the project can go ahead with match funding from Galway City Council’s own reserves, alongside continued support from the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF).
Mr Pender told the Connacht Tribune that the URDF has always been a 50% funder of the project.
“Even though the NTA withdrew their support, the URDF never did,” he said.
“Part of the requirements to draw down URDF funding is that you need an element of match funding to go against it.
“We have match funding from our own reserves. We will be stumping up some of the money towards the planning application.”
The cost of reaching the planning stage could be between €700,000 and €800,000, he said, although he noted that “it could be less than that, it could be more than that.”
Mr Pender outlined the extent of the surveys needed before a planning application can be sent.
“There will be a significant amount of ecological and environmental surveys,” he said.
“Plus, we have to get divers in the river around the base of the abutments just to confirm their structural stability.
“The project is moving ahead but we must secure planning permission as part of the statutory consent process.”
The Clifden Railway Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge would link the Dyke Road area with the University campus, using the abutments of the former Clifden Railway Bridge, which are visible in the river today.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.