Construction is set to begin on a major upgrade of the R332, a key regional road linking counties Galway and Mayo, which should be completed before year’s end.
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) thanked landowners for cooperating with the process, and council staff for engaging with locals throughout the process.
“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.”
Uinsinn Finn, Director of Services for Roads and Transportation, commented, “This key strategic improvement for the regional road network in north Galway will tackle long-standing safety concerns while delivering new walking and cycling facilities.”
“It also reflects our commitment to improving connectivity, sustainable travel and decarbonisation while supporting rural development in line with national policy.”
Senior Executive Engineer John Coyle said the scheme aligned with national priorities under the National Planning Framework and the National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland.
He continued, “I want to acknowledge the close work of Cllr Killilea with landowners and residents and to thank our council team for their commitment in progressing the project from its initial proposal in 2018, which came about as a result of a petition from local residents. Their patience and involvement have been central to making Kilbannon a safer and more vibrant village.”
