Outcry in Galway over junction works as traffic situation branded as ‘chaos’
Plans to tighten a junction to accommodate the Safe Routes to School scheme in Oranmore, Co Galway, are causing disruption for residents in nearby estates, with concerns raised over a lack of public consultation before works began.
Galway County Councillor Martina Kinane brought forward a “very urgent” motion under Cathaoirleach’s Business at a county council meeting this month, describing the situation at a junction near Beech Grove estate and Beech Park as “chaos” and claiming “residents cannot get in and out of their homes” due to the heavy traffic.
While Fianna Fáil Cllr Kinane said she fully supports initiatives aimed at making school travel safer for children, she called for immediate consultation with local residents.
“Consultation is so important,” she said. “I believe these works will have to be undone and a new plan put in place.”
Cllr Kinane initially sought a complete halt to the project but said she was advised of the consequences of such an action.
She added that residents she has spoken with want the opportunity to speak directly with the engineers behind the project and to ask questions about the plans.
The matter was urgent, she said, as more than 80 homes immediately affected by the works were awaiting her response.
Responding, Director of Services Uinsinn Finn outlined the due diligence undertaken by the local authority, stating that consultation had been carried out and that submissions were invited via newspaper advertisements and the public consultation website.
He identified an “anomaly” in that the scheme falls within the boundaries of both the Athenry–Oranmore and Loughrea municipal districts, which he said may have led to some confusion.
However, he noted that submissions received during the consultation process were largely positive.