Minister Seán Canney Highlights Urgent Need to Tackle Growing Cost of Congestion in Galway
Leader of the Independent Team of Ministers and Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports, Seán Canney TD, has responded to the findings of the Department of Transport’s new report on the Economic Cost of Congestion in the Regional Cities 2022–2040, which highlights the mounting pressure on Galway’s transport network.
The report estimates that the annual cost of congestion in the Galway Metropolitan Area (GMA) will rise from €35.3 million in 2022 to €106.9 million by 2040. On a per capita basis, this represents the highest congestion cost of any regional city, second only to Dublin.
Minister Canney said: “This report confirms what many living and working in Galway already know—our city is facing a unique and urgent congestion challenge. The cost of time lost in traffic is increasing sharply, with a direct economic impact on households, businesses and the wider region.”
The report reveals that Galway’s congestion profile is unlike other regional cities. Rather than peak-hour bottlenecks, congestion in Galway is spread more evenly throughout the day, a pattern attributed to the city’s economic profile and travel behaviours. It also notes that the proportion of congestion caused by goods vehicles is rising, reflecting both increased economic activity and the higher value placed on business-related and freight travel.
Minister Canney welcomed the report’s finding that Galway’s congestion cost projections would be significantly worse were it not for the planned infrastructure under the Galway Transport Strategy (GTS). These include the Galway City Ring Road, Ceannt Station redevelopment, and enhancements to bus and cycling infrastructure.
“It’s clear that delivering the Galway Transport Strategy is essential. The modelling shows that if we implement those projects, we can begin to ease pressure on the system. In fact, the report predicts a slight reduction in costs between 2030 and 2040, indicating the positive effect of infrastructure delivered in that period.”
He continued: “The GTS remains the guiding framework for transport planning in Galway. While it has not been updated since 2016 due to delays in key projects like the Ring Road, the city’s population, economic activity, and travel behaviour have evolved significantly in that time. As we move forward, there is an opportunity to build on the existing strategy and ensure it continues to reflect current realities and future needs.”
The report also makes clear that infrastructure alone will not be enough. It highlights the importance of behavioural change policies—such as remote and flexible working, compact urban development, and modal shift—to reduce demand and improve sustainability.
Minister Canney concluded: “We must continue to invest in public transport and active travel, but also actively encourage the behavioural shift needed to ease pressure on our roads. This includes practical incentives, better land use planning, and stronger public awareness. Galway’s future depends on building a transport system that is not just bigger, but smarter, more resilient, and fit for the decades ahead.”
The Minister reaffirmed his commitment to working with local stakeholders and across Government to ensure Galway’s transport network can support sustainable growth, reduce emissions, and improve quality of life for all.