Government decision puts Galway bypass on the right road – Naughton

The Government has approved a business case for the €600-million Galway City Ring Road, clearing the way for the County Council to submit an application for the proposed scheme to An Bord Pleanála.

Local Fine Gael TD Hildegarde Naughton said the approval at Tuesday morning’s Cabinet meeting was a major step for the long-awaited infrastructure, which is a key part of the solution to the city’s traffic problems.

“Many have lost hope in the Galway bypass after almost 20 years of it being promised without ever being delivered,” she said.

“I share their frustration, but today’s green light from Cabinet represents a major step that clears the way for a fresh application to An Bord Pleanála, which will obviate the errors and delays that plagued the plan’s previous iterations.

“This is the most significant transport infrastructure project that has ever been proposed for the west. It represents a key part of a solution to our traffic problems, and a new chapter for the future development of Galway city,” said Deputy Naughton.

However, the Fine Gael TD emphasised that the Ring Road was just part of a solution to the city’s transport woes, and not a panacea. Other independent measures were still required, she said.

“We do have to bear in mind that it could take up to 10 years for such a major infrastructure project to be completed. We can’t do nothing and wait for such a solution, and there are many measures that need to be pursued in the immediate term,” said Deputy Naughton.

She cited the urgent need for park-and-ride facilities located on the west, east and north of the city, as well as a more frequent commuter train service from Oranmore. She also said that more and better cycle lanes were required as part of an integrated transport system.

The €600-million plan incorporates a new bridge and viaduct over the Corrib, and two tunnels on the east side of the city. The proposed route will provide an 18km link between the east and west of the city, closer to the urban area than the original bypass plan.

It has been designed to avoid special conservation areas and environmental concerns that dogged the original plans since they were first proposed in 1999.

Following the Cabinet approval, Galway County Council is expected to submit the proposed scheme to An Bord Pleanála early in 2019. In a memo to ministers on Tuesday, Transport Minister Shane Ross said the Ring Road would improve connectivity and reduce congestion in the city by segregating cross-city traffic from urban traffic.

The Cabinet has also committed to funding the acquisition of lands and property for the new road, and up to 1,000 letters will shortly issue to give notice of possible compulsory purchase orders.

Deputy Naughton said that the proposed infrastructure would facilitate properly planned growth and development of the city, as well as relieving traffic congestion that has acted as an impediment to economic growth.

“Galway has been driving with the handbrake on in terms of its economic growth and potential for development. The Ring Road would herald a bright future for commuters, for businesses and industry, and for the quality of life of our citizens,” said the Galway West TD.