Fifth bridge on Corrib sought

THE construction of a fifth bridge over the Corrib has been advocated, to tackle growing traffic congestion in Galway city

THE construction of a fifth bridge over the Corrib has been advocated, to tackle growing traffic congestion in Galway city. Mr Conor Faughnan, public affairs manager of the Automobile Association, said yesterday that over the past five years there had been a major increase in the number of calls his organisation had received concerning traffic problems there.

The entire western approach network and other routes including Lough Atalia, the Headford road and Tuam road face serious congestion during the morning and evening rush hours.

A special transport committee of Galway Corporation is examining current trends. In the long term, the issue of the new bridge must be looked at, but more immediate action is said Knocknacarra councillor Mr Donal Lyons.

The Progressive Democrats TD, Mr Bobby Molloy, called on the National Roads Authority and Galway Corporation to come together to seek a strategy to cope with traffic problems which seemed to be worsening by the week. The congestion in the Headford road and Quincentenary Bridge area should have been envisaged, he said.