Plans to significantly limit private cars from parts of Galway have moved a step closer, after the announcement that an application is to be lodged for a dedicated public transport corridor, through the city centre.
The Cross-City Link would run from University Road to the Dublin Road, connecting the eastern and western suburbs of Galway.
It is envisaged that new pedestrian and cycling infrastructure would be provided, along with priority for public transport.
Through traffic, with no specific destination in the city centre, would be diverted via alternative routes, between 7am and 7pm.
Galway City Council says it is planning to seek permission for the 6.7 kilometre development from An Bord Pleanála.
Compulsory Purchase Orders will also be made for lands required to complete the proposed route.
During a public consultation process last year, 31 landowners were identified as being potentially affected by the scheme. The council says the majority of these have been contacted at this stage.
If approved, it would take between 12 and 18 months to finish the project.
When completed, city bus routes will be altered to use the corridor, with an "interchange" at Eyre Square for passengers transferring to other parts of the city.
The development is part of the Galway Transport Strategy, which looked at the city's short, medium and long term infrastructural requirements.
