Construction is set to begin on a major upgrade of the R332, a key regional road linking counties Galway and Mayo.
Galway County Council has awarded the Kilbannon Road Improvement Scheme contract to Jons Civil Engineering of Carranstown, Duleek, Co Meath. The €4 million project is funded by the Department of Transport under the Specific Improvement Grant programme.
The R332 links the N17 Tuam bypass with the N84 at Kilmaine in County Mayo. Traffic on the route has more than tripled since the Tuam bypass opened, rising from about 860 vehicles a day in 2017 to roughly 2,800 in 2018. This has highlighted safety concerns in Kilbannon village, where the road narrows and visibility is poor, and there are no dedicated facilities for pedestrians or cyclists.
The scheme will widen and realign the R332 through Kilbannon village and north to the GAA grounds. It will add a shared cycle track and footpath linking Saint Benin’s National School with Kilbannon GAA Club, new controlled crossings for pedestrians and cyclists and minor realignment of local side roads (L-2210 and L-6486). A sustainable drainage system and other road safety improvements will also be installed.
Designed by O’Connor Sutton Cronin Consultant Engineers, the 1.55-kilometre project is expected to be completed by December.
Speaking at the contract signing in Áras an Chontae, Minister of State at the Department of Transport Sean Canney said the project would improve safety for all road users and create new walking and cycling links between the school, the village and the GAA grounds.
“This project is about more than upgrading a road, it will support rural communities, encourage active travel and ensure infrastructure keeps pace with a growing population, ” he added.
Cllr. Karey Mc Hugh Farag, Cathaoirleach of Tuam Municipal District (MD) commended the Council’s approach to the land acquisition process and its engagement with local concerns throughout.
She stated, “I want to acknowledge the co-operation of landowners and residents and to thank Pádraic Flaherty, technician in the Tuam MD office, and the Council’s legal team, particularly Aisling Murphy, for their work in resolving complex legal matters. The efforts of council staff and their hands-on engagement on the ground have been central to bringing this project to this stage.”
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, said the project is a major investment in road safety and sustainable travel for Kilbannon and the surrounding area.
“This upgrade is a direct response to the sharp rise in traffic on the R332 since the Tuam bypass opened,” he added. “Widening the road, improving crossings, and adding dedicated facilities for pedestrians and cyclists will tackle long-standing safety issues and make Kilbannon safer and easier to get around. It shows our commitment to supporting our communities and delivering the infrastructure they need.”
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council (left) and John Pentony, Director, Jons Civil Engineering (right), sign the Kilbannon Road Improvement Scheme contract. Credit: Murtography