Concerns raised over accessibility and parking issues in Galway housing estate
Galway County Councillor Martin McNamara expressed concern about the council taking ownership of the site and noted the lack of accessibility. He echoed the submission made by neighbouring residents, stating that the council must seriously consider 'reasonable concerns from reasonable people'.
The contents of the submission explained safety as a main consideration for the development, specifically dealing with parking and traffic congestion.
The traffic assessment done focused on 'issues within the design relating to road safety'. This included exits of the estate and the junctions on either side with easy access to through roads. It concluded that the development was 'anticipated to generate a low volume of additional traffic'.
Bordering this development is a primary care centre that has already caused concern about traffic congestion due to reduced parking spaces and illegal parking. The application for the medical centre called for 55 vehicle parking spots but approval was granted for only 50. The reduction was justified by the estate's proximity to local amenities, assuming it would lead to fewer vehicles.
However, the reality of an already busy road poses a dangerous environment for pedestrians and will be unrealistic for disabled and older individuals. Cllr McNamara said it is important to 'openly acknowledge the short-term failings until we fix these problems' adding 'if you are a wheelchair user you will not be able to access town from that estate'.
The addition of more than 40 homes to an already congested area of Athenry will only create a 'worse situation with parking' Cllr Peter Feeney added. 'If these houses are built, that area will have to be subject to bollards and yellow lines. The people that live here will have to be able to get in and safely.'
Gort Mhaoilir and one other housing development in Athenry were the first to benefit from the Council's Design-Build Contractor Framework, the Irish Independent reported back in July 2024.
The substantial delivery of this development is late 2026.
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