Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the agreement reached to resolve the final outstanding judicial review relating to the Galway Ring Road, clearing the way for this long-awaited project to proceed to construction.

Minister Canney said the agreement represents a hugely significant breakthrough and removes the final legal obstacle to progressing one of the most important infrastructure projects for Galway and the West of Ireland.

“This is a major step forward for a project that has been talked about for far too long. We can now move ahead and finally deliver the Galway Ring Road.

“I have met with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Galway City Council and Galway County Council and made it absolutely clear that every homeowner and landowner directly affected by the route must be contacted this week to ensure their individual circumstances and concerns are sorted.

“These people have been living with uncertainty for far too long. There must be meaningful, one-to-one engagement with every affected homeowner and landowner.”

Minister Canney pointed out that the Galway Ring Road was formally designated as a Critical Infrastructure Project by the Government in July, recognising its strategic importance and the need to prioritise and accelerate its delivery.

“This designation underlines the national importance of the Galway Ring Road and the need to progress it without unnecessary delays.

“We are now proceeding with the procurement process, with construction expected to commence by 2028 at the latest.

“This road is long overdue. It is a vital piece of infrastructure for not just Galway City and County but the entire western region, helping to reduce traffic congestion, improve journey times, strengthen connectivity and support businesses and communities.”

Minister Canney also paid tribute to Galway County and City Councils for the work they’ve done to get the project to this stage and also his Galway West Government colleagues – his Independent counterpart Minister Noel Grealish, Minister Hildegarde Naughton and Deputies Seán Kyne and John Connolly.

He concluded by saying: “I am delighted to be serving as a Minister in the Department of Transport at this important time and to be in a position to help ensure that this project finally becomes a reality.

“We have reached a hugely important milestone and I look forward to this project being delivered.”