Local authorities to pay costs in Supreme Court case on city bypass

Environmental campaigner, Peter Sweetman took the case arguing that the planning was in breach of the Habitats Directive.

The case went to the European Court of Justice, before it was referred back to the Supreme Court here.

An order today has overturned the planning permission for the bypass and costs have been awarded to Peter Sweetman.

It's expected the bill, which will be shared equally between the two local authorities and An Bord Pleanála, could run into the hundreds of thousands.

The vested interests are already exploring the possibility of progressing the city bypass through the IROPI process.

This is for projects which have an over-riding public interest.

Speaking to Galway Bay fm News this lunchtime, Peter Sweetman says the plan for the outer bypass doesn't meet IROPI requirements either.