Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has officially opened the new N59 Maigh Cuilinn bypass in Co Galway, which will result in a significant reduction in journey times between Galway city and Connemara.
The project has been delivered over the past two years by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with Galway County Council, and is funded by the Department of Transport.
Taoiseach Varadkar said: “It is a great pleasure to officially open the Moycullen bypass. This road will mean more efficient journeys for people travelling to work, college and public services. It will reduce congestion locally and provide for safer road travel.
“We have spread investment across the country in a balanced way that promotes the development of thriving cities and rural communities. The Galway area is pivotal to this, with a vibrant city and a hinterland of rural villages where people chose to build their lives.
'Improve the experience of the many visitors'
"By improving our roads and connectivity, we make these communities more attractive places to live and work, developing our country in a sustainable way. While benefiting residents daily, it will also improve the experience of the many visitors to this beautiful region.
“During my involvement in the initiation of the Moycullen bypass when I was minister for transport, we thought it might be possible for the ring road and Moycullen bypass to be built at the same time, so I understand the frustration people must feel that one part is done and the bigger part is not.
"The construction of the Galway ring road is an important next step and will free up the city and road space within the city for pedestrians and cyclists, making it more attractive to residents, tourists and investors.”
Leas chathaoirleach of Galway County Council Dr Evelyn Parsons said: “This significant piece of infrastructure has been a long time coming and its completion finally eases the longstanding traffic congestion issues in Moycullen. It also will reduce travel times from Galway city to Clifden by at least 20 minutes during peak periods.”
Peter Walsh, CEO of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), said: “The N59 Moycullen Bypass can now deliver the needed safety improvements for all road users throughout the greater Connemara region as well as giving Moycullen village back to the residents, businesses, and visitors all to enjoy.”
'Significantly reduce volumes of traffic'
Liam Conneally, chief executive of Galway County Council, said: “This new road will significantly reduce volumes of traffic, in particular heavy goods vehicles that pass through Maigh Cuilinn every day. It will bring many benefits to the local community, including reduced noise and air pollution and greater accessibility throughout the village to enhance economic opportunities for local business.
Quality connectivity through the provision of large-scale infrastructure projects is central to our efforts to promote sustainable development in Co Galway and to attract inward investment to the West of Ireland. Landmark projects such as this truly are the foundations on which we, as a local authority, can and must continue our work of building sustainable and vibrant communities across Co Galway.
The Maigh Cuilinn scheme is a gateway connection to the west of the county and is one which, we hope, will complement the future delivery of the proposed N6 Galway City Ring Road project.”
The construction of the nN59 Maigh Cuilinn Bypass has involved the delivery of 4.3km of new national secondary road, improvements to 3km of local roads, 1.7km of accommodation roads and 10 structures. The bypass connects to the existing N59 at two new roundabout junctions either side of the village and provides significant improvements to shared walking and cycling infrastructure.