New Bus Stop At Marina Going To Tender

New Bus Stop - Ballinasloe

At the September monthly municipal meeting M.D.C. Chair Cllr Parsons had asked for an update on the new bus stops down by the Marina.

Fergal Fahey the Senior Executive Engineer for Galway County Council explained that they were finalising contracts with Waterways Ireland and Transport Ireland . The project is then going to tender and the Councillors were told prices and contracts are expected to be agreed and finalised in quarter one of 2023.

Currently there are 27 buses daily to the town. Eight come from Galway, 12 from Dublin, four from Portumna and three from Loughrea, there are plans to increase this level of services over the coming years and the total cost of the new stops ( one on either side of Sli Na hAbhainn)  is in the region of €200,000.

Accessibility Ballinasloe Committee along with Brothers of Charity services Tope and SUAS, have been working with local representatives in highlighting the need for a new, properly lit ,modern bus stop that will be located at the marina to ensure it will be accessible to all. 

Cllr Dr. Evelyn Parson was one of the key supporters of the new location but in fairness all of the elected representative were unanimously behind the development when it first came before Council on it’s part 8 process . L4606 and R446 vicinity of Marina. “  I have always felt this area around the Marina and public carpark would have scope to facilitate and promote visible connectivity within the  wider East Galway / Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands area in line with tourism aspirations - beside the Marina, Suck Blueway , the Beara Breifne Walkway , the National Cycleway  and any future heritage trails or tours arising from my proposal to develop Kellysgrove Poolboy area into a Heartland Park for Ballinasloe the Healing and Hosting Town” stated Cllr. Dr. Evelyn Parsons.