'Small-scale' Galway bus turning facility to cost council nearly €500,000
The 1,500 square-metre facility in Parkmore will provide an area of buses to turn, three parking bays, and a ‘welfare unit’ for drivers
A “small-scale” bus turning facility in Parkmore is set to cost Galway City Council almost €500,000, replacing a temporary turning area that is currently being used by buses on the 409 route.
Work has already started on the facility, which is located in the IDA Business Park and will occupy an area of 1,300 square metres or one-third of an acre. It is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
It will consist of a hardstanding area for bus turning movements, three bus parking bays, and a “welfare unit” for bus drivers. It will also feature new lighting, CCTV, and an automated barrier.
A contract for the construction works was awarded to Brian Conneely & Co Limited at the end of last month. The estimated value of the contract is €484,809, according to public procurement documents.
Galway City Council says the new turning facility will support the continued development of public transport in Parkmore, benefitting employees and visitors to the IDA Business Park.
A spokeswoman for the local authority told Galway Live that the facility would also improve the reliability and efficiency of bus services in the area.
“This development follows on from the construction of the Parkmore Road Bus Priority Lane, which was formally opened in April 2025,” she said.
“This provided for a continuous southbound bus lane on Parkmore Road from the Parkmore Road Roundabout to a point 180 metres north of the Monivea Road Junction, along with associated works.
“This new bus lane improved journey times and has facilitated the expansion of the 409 bus service into Parkmore Business Park. New bus stops (Northbound and Southbound) were constructed by Galway City Council in Parkmore, at Medtronic and Celestica. The new service came into operation in March 2025 and has proven successful.”
Buses on the route currently use an area provided by Caragh Precision to turn, but this development will deliver a “permanent, purpose-built facility” for bus turning and lay-by parking, according to the council.
The project received planning permission from Galway County Council last September, and is being delivered by Galway City Council on behalf of the National Transport Authority (NTA), which is the funding agency. The development has been supported by IDA Ireland.
“Due to the relatively small scale of the facility, any disruption due to these works is expected to be limited and access to all businesses is being maintained at all times throughout the construction period,” added the spokeswoman.