WORK on the €5 million Bóthar Stiofáin Cycle Network Scheme in Knocknacarra is due to start on Monday next — greatly improving facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and schoolgoers by this time next year.

Bóthar Stiofáin — an 870 metre stretch of roadway which links the Western Distributor Road and the Rahoon Road — will have new dedicated cycle tracks and paths on both sides of the road when the work is completed.

Planning was granted for the transformative project in a unanimous vote by City councillors in May, 2024, and is the latest project in the local authority’s Active Travel programme, aimed at improving public transport, walking and cycling services.

According to the City Council, the Bóthar Stiofáin project will take 12 months to complete, bringing a range of benefits including pedestrian crossings, upgraded footpaths and dedicated cycle lanes.

“This will make it easier for people to walk and wheel along the road including children, older people and vulnerable road users.

“The new facilities will encourage more people to cycle, reduce congestion, while also being good for people’s health and the environment.

“By narrowing the width of the roadway, vehicle speeds will be reduced and this will improve safety for all,” according to a Galway City Council outline of the scheme.

Pictured: The area where work is being carried out.

Local councillor, Donal Lyons, said that the scheme would be welcomed by people from the area, in terms of safety and significantly improving facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.

“There are more similar type schemes in the pipeline for the coming years including Bishop O’Donnell Road, Threadneedle Road, Dr. Mannix Road and the Clybaun Road.

“As we look to the future, the provision of the Outer Ring Road [City Bypass] would be a huge help in taking traffic out of the urban area that doesn’t need to be there in the first place.

“Of course, the Outer Ring Road won’t be a panacea for all of our traffic problems, but it would certainly be a major help in making the urban area far more user friendly for cyclists, pedestrians and those using public transport,” said Cllr. Lyons.

Other parts of the Bóthar Stiofáin project include the provision of four new raised pedestrian crossings, a narrowing of the carriageway for motor vehicles, an upgrade of public lighting, and the planting of new trees alongside some sections of the road. Jons Civils Ltd., Meath, are the contractors.

Pictured: An image of the transformed Bóthar Stiofáin.