Taoiseach welcomes 'breakthrough' for 'critical' Galway City Ring Road

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has welcomed the “breakthrough” on the Galway City Ring Road following the withdrawal of the last remaining legal objection to the infrastructure, stating that the Government is “absolutely committed” to the project.

Speaking in the Dáil on Tuesday, Mr Martin described the long-awaited road as “critical infrastructure for Galway”, while also acknowledging the plight of affected homeowners whose properties are situated on the proposed route.

“For a long time, [they] have essentially not been able to do anything with their homes and… did not have any long-term clarity in respect of this,” he said.

He said there was a need to engage with those homeowners and “get their issues resolved as quickly as possible”.

Mr Martin was speaking the day after Shane Foran, who had taken judicial review proceedings against the Ring Road, withdrew his objection before the High Court after reaching an agreement with Galway City Council.

The issue had been raised in the Dáil by Fianna Fáil TD John Connolly, who said it was the first time that the “much-heralded and much-needed” transport project had full planning permission.

He asked the Taoiseach to reiterate the Government’s commitment to the completion of the project in the shortest possible timeframe, and called for compulsory purchase orders to be executed “in an empathetic, expeditious and engaging manner”.

“There is much concern among those homeowners,” he added.

Mr Martin paid tribute to Mr Connolly, who he recalled had raised the issue of the Galway City Ring Road earlier this year, emphasising the need for engagement and conciliation in respect of the judicial review.

“The deputy identified the possibility of making a breakthrough in respect of it, and he said that to the minister involved. That has come to pass,” Mr Martin added.

“I welcome the breakthrough on that. The Government is absolutely committed to its completion. This is critical infrastructure for Galway.”