Last named legal Galway Ring Road objector withdraws challenge
A major breakthrough for Galway Ring Road’s plans after High Court drama which saw an agreement reached
The final remaining objector to the N6 Galway City Ring Road has withdrawn his High Court challenge, removing the last legal obstacle impeding progress with the long-awaited infrastructure project.
Shane Foran, an active-travel advocate from Galway, appeared before the High Court this morning to confirm that he wished to withdraw proceedings challenging the approval of the Ring Road.
It is understood that the decision followed prolonged discussions with government representatives at City Hall last Friday, after which an agreement was reached regarding walking and cycling facilities on affected routes.
This morning, the High Court heard that the matter had been resolved by consent and was struck out with no order as to costs.
Mr Foran told Galway Live that Galway City Council had agreed to “progress the possibility of providing high-quality” active travel infrastructure on the Headford Road, Ballymoneen Road, and Letteragh Road.
The local authority has also undertaken to review ‘pinch points’ along a number of routes where there is a deemed risk of conflicts between cyclists and motorists, it is understood.
An additional commitment has been given to develop a policy on cycling on one-way streets, according to Mr Foran. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) was also represented at the talks last Friday.
Fine Gael TD for Galway West and Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton, who was a key party at the discussions at City Hall, welcomed the decision to withdraw the objection this morning.
“After many years and several false starts, the Ring Road can now proceed,” she told Galway Live.
“This project has already been approved by government and significant funding was included in this year’s Budget.”
Ms Naughton said her concern will now turn to homeowners affected by the proposed road, and called for solutions to be provided by the local authorities to those residents as quickly as possible.
“The Ring Road will have significant benefits in terms of allowing easier transit across Galway City but, additionally, will unlock housing development which has previously been impossible,” she added.
Ms Naughton said Galway’s growing population would require accommodation for 35,000 more people by 2031, and identified Garraun, Ardaun, and Briarhill as key growth areas that could facilitate this expansion.
“Obviously, given the significant funding required, final Cabinet sign-off will be needed prior to any contract being awarded and construction commencing [on the Ring Road].
“The people of Galway have waited too long for this day, and I will ensure that Cabinet permission is forthcoming,” said the minister.