A PROPOSED pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Corrib between Woodquay and Dangan, faces uncertainty after the National Transport Authority (NTA) said it no longer supported the project.

The bridge, an integral part of the Connemara Greenway,  was allocated €5.5 million from the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), with the remainder expected from the NTA.

Director of Services Derek Pender told this week’s meeting of Galway City Council that the NTA “no longer see the viability of another pedestrian crossing over the Corrib at this time,” while noting that “we still have the funding from the URDF”.

Fine Gael Councillor Eddie Hoare said he “strongly disagreed” with the NTA’s position, describing the bridge as “a major part of the Greenway and connectivity to the city” and “a landmark project for Galway.”

The Clifden Railway Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge would link the Dyke Road area with the University of Galway campus, using the abutments of the former Clifden Railway Bridge, which are still visible in the river today.

The original bridge, also known locally as the White Bridge, was dismantled in 1938, three years after the railway closed, and sold for scrap.

Despite the setback, Mr Pender said he hoped the project would still proceed.

“We have support from the University, who are prepared to give us landing ground on the campus side of the river, and we have strong support from relevant agencies and stakeholders,” he said.

If completed, the bridge would cut a current 1.1 km journey by foot or bicycle to just 131 metres, creating a link along the proposed Greenway route to Dangan and connecting the University of Galway sports grounds, the IDA Business Park, and the Dyke and Headford Roads.

The bridge deck would match the height of the Quincentenary Bridge to avoid impacting river activity.

Supporters say the project aligns with local, national, and international policies.

The bridge was one of four transport projects earmarked for URDF funding by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

In 2021, Galway City Council was awarded approximately €40 million from the URDF for four projects: the Ceannt Station upgrade, the Galway City Cycle Network, Ardaun Access, and the Clifden Railway Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge.

At this week’s Council meeting, Mr Pender confirmed there is no overrun on the Ceannt Station project, which remains on track to open in 2026.

The planned footbridge over the Corrib, from Waterside to Dangan, using the abutments of the former Galway-Clifden Railway Bridge.

Report funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme