New signage and road markings put in place at an accident blackspot in the Knocknacarra area over the past two weeks have been welcomed by local representatives – however they have called for work to start as soon as possible on a ‘proper long-term solution’.

According to local councillors, there have been five accidents at the Clybaun Road/Rahoon Road and Mincloon Road junction through December and January.

Described by locals as a ‘country crossroads carrying city traffic’, work on more permanent measures could start over the coming months, subject to funding being approved.

This week, Cllr Donal Lyons told the Galway City Tribune that while he welcomed the signage and line markings recently put in place, these were ‘still only sticking plaster solutions’.

“This is a dangerous junction which has seen many accidents take place over recent months. It is not fit for purpose given the volumes of traffic using it – we urgently require a proper long-term solution for this junction,” said Cllr Lyons.

He also called for speed reductions to be introduced and said that along with Cllr Peter Keane, they had done everything possible to try and get safety measures put in place ‘sooner rather than later’.

In a reply to local councillors, the engineering section of Galway City Council has confirmed that an application for funding has been submitted to the Dept. of Transport in Quarter 4 of 2023.

The City Council state that a decision from the department is expected later this month while the works will also be subject to an agreement with a local landowner.

The junction has also been earmarked for an upgrade as part of the N6 Galway City Ring Road project, the Council has confirmed.

Cllr Niall McNelis also said that the junction was in urgent need of safety measures such as proper public lighting, signage and traffic calming measures. “As it stands, the junction is simply not fit for purpose,” he added.