New pedestrian and cycle crossings in the vicinity of the Browne Roundabout near University Hospital Galway should be in place by the end of this year, according to Mayor of Galway, Cllr Eddie Hoare.

He told the Galway City Tribune that there was an urgent need for new toucan crossings in this area – given the volumes of pedestrians and cyclists who had to cross the road.

“The simple fact of the matter is that it’s not safe for pedestrians or cyclists to make their way across the carriageway and especially so on that stretch of roadway between Corrib Park and hospital.

“There is a general consensus from residents and road users that safe crossings need to be provided on the roads feeding into the Browne Roundabout. The sooner this happens, the better for everyone,” said the Mayor.

Last Wednesday, the City Council held an in-person session at the Westside Library where members of the public could walk in and ‘get their questions answered’ about the new pedestrian and cycle facilities.

A non-statutory consultation process on the new crossings began on March 7 last and ends on Thursday, March 28. Online submissions can be emailed to activetravel@galwaycity.ie or posted to: Active Travel, Galway City Council, City Hall, College Road, Galway, H91X4K8.

Toucan crossings are wide enough to facilitate both cyclists (without dismounting) and pedestrians crossing the road together with the aid of traffic lights.

In a prior presentation to councillors, City Council Senior Executive Engineer, David Greally, outlined the plans for the Seamus Quirke Road and the Browne Roundabout.

He said that the current ‘courtesy crossings’ were inadequate for the volumes of people using them with pedestrians, including schoolchildren, having safety concerns when trying to cross the road.

Mr Greally said that the toucan crossings would provide an interim solution to some of the problems in this area with the proposed signalisation of the entire junction to come later.