Controversial Knocknacarra ramp lowered after complaints over new Active Travel works

The height of a controversial ramp on Bóthar Stiofáin was reduced following complaints from motorists and other road users.

Published 30th Sep 2026, 20:08 BST Updated 30th Sep 2026, 20:19 BST Iconic The height of a controversial ramp on Bóthar Stiofáin was reduced following complaints from motorists and other road users. A raised section of Bóthar Stiofáin in Knocknacarra was lowered following complaints from road users about its height after the completion of the area’s new cycle scheme.

Galway City Council said the alteration was made on foot of feedback received following the completion of works on the Bóthar Stiofáin Cycle Network Scheme.

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The wider active travel project received €1.7 million in National Transport Authority funding for 2026 and included new raised cycle tracks, pedestrian crossings and upgraded footpaths along the 870-metre route.

The scheme runs from the Western Distributor Road to Rahoon Road and includes 2m-wide raised cycle tracks on both sides of the road, as well as upgraded public lighting.

According to Galway City Council, the project was designed to improve safety, reduce vehicle speeds and encourage more journeys by foot and bicycle.

It also aimed to improve connections between residential areas and a number of local amenities, including Gateway Shopping Park, Gaelscoil Mhic Amhlaigh, employment areas and Galway Bohemians FC.

Safety fears as families forced onto road at Craughwell level crossing €900k speed sign bill branded ‘absolutely crazy’ as Loughrea campaign intensifies However, work to reduce the height of the ramp at the entrance to Gateway Shopping Park, commonly known as the Lidl junction had to take place following numerous complaints.

Cllr Donal Lyons (Ind) said he had received ongoing representations about the ramp’s height, with motorists and other road users saying they felt it was too high.

He subsequently raised the issue with Galway City Council’s Active Travel Department and requested that it be lowered.

“I am delighted that my representations have been taken on board by the Active Travel Department,” Cllr Lyons said.

“I have been receiving ongoing representations regarding the height of the ramp at Bóthar Stiofáin on the way to Lidl and other shopping units in the Gateway Shopping Park.

“Motorists and other road users felt the ramp was too high in the recent Bóthar Stiofáin Active Travel Project.

“I made representations to the Active Travel Department requesting the lowering of the ramp.”

Ahead of the works, Galway City Council representatives met local businesses to inform them of the planned disruption, while information leaflets were also issued to residents in the area.

The Bóthar Stiofáin Cycle Network Scheme was funded through the National Transport Authority’s Active Travel Programme and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.