*Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, Councillor Martina Kinane with ( left) Liam Conneally, CEO of Galway County Council, Donal Garry and Connor Daly of Tower Civil Engineering (Standing l-r) Liam Goggins, Executive Engineer Galway County Council, Minister Sean Canney TD and Richard Dowling, Dept of Transport at Áras an Chontae for the contract signing for the construction of the final section of the Athenry Northern Ring Road. Credit xposure.
CONSTRUCTION of the western section of the Athenry Northern Ring Road will commence in the coming weeks with a completion date of late 2025, Galway County Council have confirmed.
On Monday, the local authority signed contracts with Tower Plant and Civil Engineering to deliver the scheme, located in the townlands of Ballygarraun North and Ballygarraun South.
Funded by the Department of Transport, the Athenry Northern Ring Road is identified in the Athenry Local Area plan as a key infrastructure project to support the economic development of the town and support housing growth.
The first section of the road, from Raheen Road (L3103) north to a roundabout junction with Ballydavid Cottages and the R347 was constructed and opened to traffic in mid-2013. This next phase includes the connection between the Presentation College and the Raheen Road (Ballygarraun North).
Seán Canney (IND), Minister of State at the Department of Transport with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Port, stated, “Funded by government, this project will ease traffic congestion in the heart of Athenry and support the town’s continued development in the years ahead. I am particularly pleased to see active travel features, helping to make Athenry safer and more accessible for everyone. I want to thank Galway County Council for their hard work in bringing the project to this stage, and I look forward to construction getting underway”.
Cllr Martina Kinane (FF), Cathaoirleach of Galway County Council, said, “This important project will significantly improve local transport links and safety for all road users. This investment will not only ease congestion but also enhance connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists, supporting the sustainable growth of Athenry in line with Galway County Council’s long-term vision for the town”.
Liam Conneally, Chief Executive of Galway County Council, said, “The completion of the Athenry Northern Ring Road Western Section is another important step forward for the town. It will improve traffic flow, boost connectivity, and support Athenry’s continued growth in a sustainable way—while still protecting its unique medieval character. This project is part of the bigger vision set out in the Athenry Local Area Plan 2024–2030 adopted by the Municipal District councillors, helping the town grow into a vibrant, inclusive, and age-friendly community. It also strengthens Athenry’s role as a key location in the Oranmore – Athenry Strategic Economic Corridor, creating further opportunities for innovation, jobs, and investment”.
Uinsinn Finn, Director of Services for Physical Development, Fire & Emergency Services, and Climate Change, commented, “We are proud that the Athenry Northern Ring Road has been designed entirely in-house by Galway County Council’s Transport Department. This reflects not only the expertise and dedication of our Engineering staff, but also our commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure that meets the needs of our communities. The project will enhance local connectivity, promote active travel through integrated pedestrian and cycling facilities, and support the continued sustainable development of Athenry”.
