Minister of State at the Department of Transport and Galway East TD Sean Canney says he is confident the €1 billion Galway city ring road project will be granted approval after false starts and delays of over 20 years.
The minister was responding to reports of an imminent announcement on the N6 ring road, which was initially approved in 2021, only for permission to be rescinded after it emerged the impact of the development on the State's Climate Action plan had not been considered.
That led to the application being 'remitted', with updated data provided in relation to the climate impacts, during both construction and operational phases.
"Yes, we are waiting, with bated breath, a decision from An Coimisiún Pleanála in relation to this project," Mr Canney said, speaking to RTÉ News.
"The ring road has been rumbling on for over 20 years, and I think it's an imperative that we get a positive decision, which I am confident we will, and that hopefully we will be able to move from that to get the project underway.
"And one of the first things we need to do, once we get a decision, and hopefully it will be positive, is that we engage with the landowners and the house owners, whom we have told will be losing their houses 20 years ago."
The minister said a robust planning application had been submitted and he that was hopeful it would withstand any further challenges.
"The details have been teased out on the environmental issues, and I think the biggest thing is the huge toll it has taken on the people of the region when they try to come into Galway city, simply sitting in their cars for hours on end.
"And I think for people who are working and have no public transport, I think it's imperative that we actually try and circulate traffic around the city so that we can operate better, and also for the growth of the region right across the West."
Minister Canney said €1bn has been made available for the completion of the project in the National development plan.
"One billion has been made available for the construction of this road. Sadly, if we did it 20 years ago, it would have been €200m and that's the reality of all of what has gone on here.
"I would see the full design procurement happening, see construction starting, hopefully in 2028 with a time frame of maybe two to three years before it would be completed.
"It is a big project. It's an important project. It's critical for the West of Ireland, not just for the city and the county, but for the entire region."
