Row over Galway park-and-ride project and active travel plans as lack of bus lanes sparks council clash
The newly approved park-and-ride facility in Galway city was at the centre of a recent Galway City Council meeting, as it was revealed there is no plans for bus lanes on the Western Distributor Road, which prompted a motion to halt the project.
The park-and-ride facility will be developed near plans for an active travel scheme along the Western Distributor Road.
Approved by the council earlier this month, the park-and-ride facility will sit in Knocknacarra adjacent to the roundabout junction that links Cappagh Road and Western Distributer Road.
At the April meeting of Galway City Council, Councillor Donal Lyons put forward a motion, not listed on the agenda, calling for a meeting with the National Transport Authority and “no work [to] be carried out in the meantime on upgrading the pedestrian and cycle infrastructure on the Western Distributor Road”.
The meeting with the NTA would surround securing funding to include bus lanes in the scheme, which would service the newly approved Cappagh Road park and ride.
Plans for the park and ride do not include alternative transport links in the surrounding area, such as bus or cycle lanes.
Councillor Alan Curran strongly opposed the motion, warning halting the progress would pose a bigger risk than lacking bus access.
Cllr Curran’s primary concern centred on wording that would cease ongoing progress on the active travel scheme. He subsequently submitted a countermotion removing that element.
However, Director of Services Derek Pender said the NTA had verbally confirmed its “intent internally to go ahead in this project and then go back to put bus lanes in”.
Mr Pender said the reason for this approach was unclear.
He urged councillors not to pause the project, pointing to an imminent meeting with the NTA and the need to ensure the proper allocation of €875,000 earmarked for active travel in 2026.
Roads officials aim to keep at least one project under construction throughout the year, meaning the current programme is expected to run into 2027 until further funding is secured.
Mr Pender said there is an opportunity to seek increased funding next year, but warned that halting works this year could result in the money being reallocated elsewhere.
Ultimately, councillors agreed not to proceed with the motion, on the understanding that a meeting with the NTA would take place promptly and the matter would return for briefing at a future meeting.
This would be the third active travel scheme in Galway to be on the books next to Ballybane/Castlepark Road, which is nearing completion, and Monivea Road.
While the sustainable transportation measures have faced criticism over national guideline being unsuitable for Galway roads, Councillor Niall McNelis is hopeful that residents will “get it” when all works are complete.
“We will probably even win a couple awards for it,” he added.
The Irish Independent has reached out to the NTA for comment.