Approval of Galway Ring Road widely welcomed

Detailed designs next stage

AN Coimisiún Pleanála has granted approval for the N6 Galway City Ring Road.

The decision has been widely welcomed this morning, especially by Galway County Council, Galway City Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

The local authorities see the route as a core component of the wider transport solution for Galway City and County that would complement BusConnects, ongoing rail enhancements, Active Travel and the continued delivery of other major transport initiatives under the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS).

In a statement this morning Galway County Council, Galway City Council and TII said they recognise that the prolonged planning process associated with the N6 GCRR has been very difficult for home and property owners affected by the proposed route.

Galway County Council, Galway City Council and TII will now proceed, following a detailed review of An Coimisiún Pleanála’s decision, to the next phase of the project. This stage includes the progression of detailed design, preparation of contract documentation and the procurement process.

GALWAY CHAMBER WANT PROGRESS

Galway Chamber has called for immediate progress on the N6 Galway City Ring Road warning that any further delay would undermine the region’s economic prospects.

The Chamber, which represents 500 businesses employing 30,000 people in Galway city, said congestion is continuing to damage productivity, investment and quality of life.

Chief executive Karen Ronan said the decision marked an important step but insisted that Galway “has waited long enough”.

“This project has been discussed, delayed and debated for years while congestion has continued to worsen, impacting our economy, our environment and the daily lives of people across the region. The time for delivery is now,” she said.

DECISION MILESTONE – CANNEY

MINISTER of State for Transport Sean Canney said the decision is an “important and positive step forward for Galway”.

“This is a major piece of infrastructure that has the potential to transform traffic movement around Galway, reduce congestion, and support the future growth and development of the city and surrounding areas.”

Minister Canney acknowledged the long history of the project and the impact on local residents: “It’s also important to recognise that this has been a long and difficult process for some. There are people and families who were first notified almost 20 years ago that their homes could be impacted by this project.”

While welcoming the progress, Minister Canney emphasised that continued work is needed to address transport challenges within Galway City: “This is a hugely positive development, but it is only one part of the solution. We need to continue looking at how we improve traffic circulation within Galway itself.

“That includes keeping options like a light rail system for the city on the table, alongside other measures that will make it easier for people to move around safely and efficiently.”