Public consultation launched on Galway town active travel works amid wider traffic debate
Galway residents are urged to have their say over the new Active Travel Scheme in the pipelines for the town of Headford.
Galway County Council explained works will include upgrades at Church Road and the access road to Presentation College.
At Church Road, the works will see the existing carriageways narrowed to allow for wider footpaths, separated from the road by grass verges. Pedestrian zebra crossings will also be installed to improve safety between schools and nearby car parks.
To tackle illegal parking, bollards will be introduced along the route.
Meanwhile, the junction at the Presentation College access road will be tightened, with pedestrian areas widened to give greater priority to walkers.
The council confirmed that submissions from the public will remain open until January 2, 2026.
County Councillor Andrew Reddington took to Facebook to urge locals to have their say in the consultation.
His post sparked a lively debate, with many residents voicing frustration over traffic congestion. Several pointed to ongoing works at Castlepark and Ballybane Road, which they say have worsened delays.
One commenter said: “Widen the footpath to speed up the pedestrians and slow down the cars.”
The Active Travel Scheme is providing funding to deliver safer and more efficient walking, cycling and commuting routes nationwide.
Under the programme, engineers are rolling out cycle lanes, pedestrian paths and new road layouts in line with national standards.
However, as projects get underway in Galway, both local authorities and residents are beginning to question whether those national guidelines are truly suited to the county’s roads.