A new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the river Corrib in Galway city has been granted approval by An Bord Pleanála.
The new structure will run parallel to the existing Salmon Weir Bridge, the main crossing of the river Corrib in the city.
At 85m in length it will cross three separate watercourses, Persse’s Distillery river, the river Corrib and Friar’s river canal.
It will be situated 24m downstream from the existing bridge and will draw away some of the 9,000 pedestrians and cyclists who use the Salmon Weir Bridge every day.
Galway City Council chief executive Brendan McGrath said the Salmon Weir Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge , as it will be called, will be a key part of developing a more sustainable transport policy in the city and “reduce dependency on the private motor vehicle, in line with national transport and planning policies”.
He described An Bord Pleanála’s decision as “great news” for the city which will allow it to progress to the next stage. It will enhance the BusConnects Galway project and proposals to build a civic plaza at Galway Cathedral.
The Salmon Weir Bridge is the main artery connecting NUI Galway and University College Hospital Galway to the city centre.
“These will all work together to create safer spaces for pedestrians and cyclists as they move through the city, as well as a more enjoyable public realm for all,” he said.
Galway City Council secured co-funding for the proposed development under the European Regional Development Fund with matched funding from the National Transport Authority.
The next stages in the process will be to complete the detailed design and tender documentation for the construction phase; then to invite tenders and award the contract, with construction hoped to commence in the early part of 2022.
