Egis, the multidisciplinary consultancy, engineering and operations firm, has welcomed the granting of planning approval for BusConnects Galway’s Dublin Road project.   

The project, which has been approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála, was designed by Egis for Galway City Council in conjunction with the National Transport Authority, to meet the needs of the city’s growing population and contribute to its sustainable development goals.

Urban and sensitive environment

It was also crucial in overcoming the unique challenges of delivering a much-needed public transport, pedestrian and cycling corridor in an urban and sensitive environment.

The planning application for the Dublin Road project was submitted by Galway City Council to An Coimisiún Pleanála in February of this year. Planning consent was received at the end of September. 

Once completed, the BusConnects Galway Dublin Road project will be a major step forward in improving public transport connectivity in Galway. The continuous 3.9km route will run along the length of the R338 Dublin Road from east of the Moneenageisha Junction to the Doughiska Junction. 

This project is part of the Galway Transport Strategy and is being funded by the National Transport Authority. It will deliver additional dedicated bus lanes in both directions and enhanced bus stops, providing for more reliable and more comfortable journeys for commuters. 

It will also deliver new active travel infrastructure, including segregated cycling lanes and upgraded pedestrian facilities, which will allow for safer journeys for walkers, wheelers and cyclists.

The Dublin Road route will tie in directly with the Galway BusConnects: Cross City Link scheme at the western edge and will form a key part of the city's expanding public transport network.  It will also connect other existing and future active travel routes to the city centre as part of Galway’s growing walking and cycling network.

It will connect neighbourhoods on the outer edges of the city with the main transport network, providing a crucial link between these areas and central transit hubs and making commuting by bus more feasible for all commuters, including those that may need to transfer between buses.    

As part of its decision, An Coimisiún Pleanála also granted consent for Galway City Council to compulsorily purchase a number of properties along the route. 

The insights gained from non-statutory consultations on the emerging preferred route were invaluable in allowing Egis’ team to respond with creativity to meet all stakeholder needs.

The project is being developed near to sensitive habitats, which required careful mitigation measures to minimise the environmental impact. By incorporating sustainable drainage systems, Egis’ design will seek to manage stormwater efficiently to minimise flood risk while attenuation tanks are included to handle surface water run-off and increase climate resilience. 

The project’s design also incorporates features that will benefit local biodiversity and boost social cohesion, ensuring that the development will enhance the natural and urban environment.

As part of the project’s commitment to sustainability, the engineering consultancy also focused on a proposal that would minimise the environmental impact during construction and operation, ensuring that the route delivers long-term social and environmental gains for the residents of Galway. 

'Exemplar of integrated design and thinking'

John Nolan, associate director at Egis Ireland, said: “Galway BusConnects: Dublin Road is an exemplar of integrated design and thinking, driving modal shift from car dependency by providing effective bus, walking and cycling infrastructure.

"We are delighted that our design has been instrumental in ensuring the project secured planning approval. With the full backing of Galway City Council, the National Transport Authority, the community, local stakeholders, and the expertise of the Egis team, this route promises to deliver real improvements to Galway’s public transport network, creating a more sustainable and connected city for years to come.”

Derek Pender, director of services, Project Development with Galway City Council, said: “BusConnects Galway is a priority project for Galway City, with Dublin Road a significant route in the city’s growing network of public transport infrastructure.

"For the city to continue to be an attractive place to live, work, visit and invest, Galway City needs a modern, high-quality public transport system, with high quality facilities for walking, cycling and wheeling. This project is one of many that will change the narrative in terms of travel choices in Galway City, with less reliance on private car – and more people walking, cycling and taking public transport.

"I’d like to acknowledge the work of Egis, in designing the route and in assisting us to progress this vital project through the planning system. I also want to thank the National Transport Authority, for their support in progressing this project.”