A MEETING is to be arranged between Galway County Council officials and Údarás na Gaeltachta at which a proposal to construct a major road from west Connemara to Galway city will be discussed. The Údarás national infrastructure committee adopted this proposal at its meeting in Dublin, last week.

The proposal was put forward by Seán Ó Neachtain, M.E.P. - a member of the committee also - and Councillor Seosamh Ó Cuaig. Councillor Connie Ní Fhátharta from Connemara, a member of the National Roads Authority, is also one of the members of the Údarás infrastructure committee.

The proposal envisages that the new road should begin in West Connemara and take as a direct a route as possible towards the city. The proposal was first put to candidates in the County Council Election in Connemara by an Fóram do Phobal lorras Aithneach - the Community Forum in Carna -and it has been championed by Councillor Seosamh Ó Cuaig.

The proponents of the proposal say that a major new road could offer a lifeline to communities that are in decline in West Connemara as well as lessening traffic pressures in villages like Barna, Spiddal, Cois Fharraige, Oughterard and Moycullen. Údarás na Gaeltachta have long suggested that the lack of proper roads is a major turnoff for business in west Connemara.

The Údarás stated recently that not one outside investor had come to West Connemara for the past five years, or more. The case made for the new road is that it would benefit all areas in West Connemara - be they inside or outside of the Gaeltacht - and that people could travel to town to work and live at home, if access to Galway was easier. At the same time, it would make it more attractive for employment creation and investors, boosting the lagging economy of the area. So far, all Connemara County Councillors have supported the new road idea.

An Curadh Connachtach - 19-11-2004