Only minor works happening at notorious Dunmore street

People are frustrated by delays

GALWAY COUNTY Council are progressing some smaller projects surrounding Bridge Street in Dunmore.

The long-awaited regeneration of the area has been subject to several delays, the latest while the local authority conduct a review of their last planning application. The project is being headed by Liam Hanrahan, Galway County Council’s Director of Services for Planning.

Senior Roads Engineer Conrad Harley was asked for an update on the project during a recent meeting of the Tuam Municipal District.

While having no information on the regeneration project, Mr Harley did confirm that some smaller scale projects in the areas surrounding Bridge Street were progressing. These were aimed at improving traffic flow through the town.

“Has the Bat Survey needed for the Bridge Street development to progress been completed yet?” questioned Tuam MD Cathaoirleach Karey McHugh Farag.

“If you go to Dunmore, you will see a sign saying, ‘Children before Bats.’ I wouldn’t like to visit the town again anytime soon if this survey hasn’t been completed as people are growing more and more frustrated,” she remarked.

The narrow Bridge Street has caused traffic problems and posed safety concerns for pedestrians for many years, with traffic often mounting the footpaths to pass. Many of the buildings on either side have become derelict.

The original regeneration project proposed to demolish the derelict properties on the east side of Bridge Street from the former Piper Reilly Pub to the bridge. This section of the N83 would then be widened significantly for through traffic. The project also envisaged the creation of a new Urban Park and civic space.

However, this plan was withdrawn by the Council after it became aware of issues with the planning application and now a new proposal is likely to be drawn up for the well-known street.