JUDICIAL review proceedings brought by cycling advocate Shane Foran against the N6 Galway City Ring Road have been withdrawn.
Foran was the last remaining objector to the proposed ring road which received the green light for planning by An Coimisiún Pleanála in April. Plans to construct the 18km ring road, aimed at easing traffic gridlock in Galway, have been slow to advance since they were first proposed over a decade ago.
Galway County Council, Galway City Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) have welcomed the decision, which follows engagement between Mr Foran, Galway City Council and the project team.
These discussions focused on the City Council’s wider transport functions and plans to improve cycling facilities across Galway City. The project is being progressed by Galway County Council on behalf of both local authorities, in partnership with TII.
Both local authorities and TII said they remained committed to delivering the ring road alongside improvements to public transport, walking and cycling infrastructure, in line with the Galway Transport Strategy.
Council staff and the project team will continue to engage with homeowners along the proposed route, providing information and support as discussions continue on the acquisition of their homes.
Foran secured agreement in relation to his concerns about the implications the project would have on a number of minor routes close to the planned development. He was worried about the impact of increased traffic volumes on the Headford, Ballymoneen and Letteragh Roads, particularly in relation to vulnerable road users.
He said he is satisfied that a pledge to “progress the possibility of providing high quality” walking and cycling facilities on the roads in question can alleviate his concerns.
The withdrawal brings all judicial review proceedings against the project to a close, allowing it to progress towards design and delivery.
Objections by three homeowners were withdrawn following discussions with Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the local authorities in Galway, in recent weeks.
Approval for the route was initially given in 2022, this was later quashed, when it emerged that An Coimisiún Pleanála had not considered the impact the development would have on the State’s Climate Action Plan. The road will run from the end of the existing M6 motorway to a location west of the village of Bearna.
