Galway City Council’s first-ever rain gardens are in full bloom and bringing a fresh splash of colour to the city.
As part of the recently completed Crescent/Sea Road Junction Upgrade, which was delivered by the Council’s Active Travel Department, two new rain gardens have been installed, along with a suite of safety improvements for all road users.
A rain garden is a novel type of landscaping that helps prevent flooding and enhance drainage by capturing and absorbing rainwater.
Frank Clancy, Senior Executive Engineer with Galway City Council’s Active Travel Department, has explained the benefits of the new rain gardens.
“Rain gardens are a relatively simple nature-based, sustainable drainage system. They are designed to reduce the rate of rain runoff from roads and footpaths into underground drainage pipes.”
“By using specially selected plants, the rain garden can soak up excess water, act as a pleasant visual amenity in an urban environment and enhance biodiversity.
These rain gardens are the first of their kind in Galway City, and the council intends to replicate their success elsewhere.
The two rain gardens at the junction of The Crescent and Sea Road have been installed in areas which were previously part of the roadway, which has now been narrowed.
New, wider footpaths have also been constructed in this space. By reducing the width of the roadway, both vehicular traffic speeds and crossing times for walkers and wheelers have been reduced, improving road safety and comfort.
This scheme also saw the construction of a new footpath along The Crescent, linking the 401 Bus Stop to the Medical Centre. Prior to this, there had been no footpath on this side of the road.
Two new pedestrian crossings have also been installed, and new safety enhancement works have been completed at nearby Scoil Fhursa as part of the Safe Routes to School Scheme.
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr. Mike Cubbard has welcomed the completion of this scheme.
“The works on The Crescent and Sea Road are a welcome addition and benefit all road users in this area.”
“By installing a new footpath, new crossings, and enhanced safety measures at Scoil Fhursa, Galway City Council is making active travel more attractive and safer for people of all ages.”
“The new rain gardens are another welcome addition which enhances the aesthetic value of the area while also delivering many important and practical benefits. I look forward to supporting the further rollout of more projects of this nature over the coming years.”
