GALWAY CITY Council has approved plans to replace up to seven roundabouts in the city with signalised junctions.
The roundabouts proposed for removal are located along the N6 Bóthar na dTreabh route into the city and include the large Bodkin roundabout off the Quincentennial Bridge.
Taking their place would be “intelligent traffic lights” similar to those already in place at the Moneenageisha junction.
The proposed works are estimated to cost €6 million and come after a survey by the Health Service Executive found that although 24 per cent of local residents live less than 2km from work, 64 per cent of them travel by car. Respondents cited roundabouts and the dangers they pose to cyclists as one of the primary reasons for driving to work.
“The scheme is very important in reducing congestion in Galway and making the city more accessible to pedestrians and cyclists,” Jim Molloy of the Galway Transport Unit said.
Speaking to The Irish Times, newly elected TD for Galway West Seán Kyne expressed his doubts about the project.
“Ultimately it is a decision for the members of Galway City Council. However, I would have reservations about this project and I would question its necessity,” he said.
While agreeing that additional pedestrian crossings near roundabouts may be necessary, Mr Kyne said that changing to signalised junctions would not solve Galway’s traffic worries.
“There are traffic delays in Galway but the ultimate solution to this traffic is the provision of an outer bypass of the city,” he said.
Plans to remove the Lynch roundabout at Briarhill are on public display in city council buildings and work is due to begin in September. Plans for the remaining six roundabouts will then be announced.