Construction of the Galway City Ring Road could begin as early as next year after the final High Court challenge to the project was withdrawn. The decision removes the last legal obstacle facing the proposed €600 million road scheme, although the Government has also said construction is expected to begin by 2028 at the latest.
Galway ring road challenge withdrawn
Active travel advocate and cycling campaigner Shane Foran confirmed in the High Court in Dublin on Monday that he was withdrawing his judicial review of the N6 Galway City Ring Road approval.
Foran had argued that An Coimisiún Pleanála did not adequately consider the effect of the project on vulnerable road users, including cyclists and pedestrians, on several existing Galway roads. Traffic on those routes is expected to change once the ring road becomes operational.
He said the agreement reached with Galway City Council and Galway County Council did not include a financial settlement. Instead, it contained commitments relating to walking and cycling infrastructure, road safety and future transport planning.
- The proposed road will stretch for approximately 18km.
- It is planned to connect the M6 motorway at Coolagh roundabout with an area west of Bearna.
- Four judicial reviews had challenged the planning approval.
- The final challenge has now been withdrawn.
- Approximately 54 homes are expected to be acquired for the scheme.
What the agreement means for cyclists and pedestrians
Under the agreement, Galway City Council has undertaken to progress the possibility of providing high-quality walking and cycling facilities on roads where traffic may increase. The work will need to pass through the normal stages of public infrastructure delivery.
Those stages include:
- Concept development
- Feasibility assessment
- Options selection
- Detailed design
- Environmental evaluation
- Statutory approval processes
The council has also agreed to review pinch points that could create unnecessary conflicts between cyclists and motor traffic. A separate policy on cycling in one-way streets is also to be developed.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland took part in mediation discussions and provided a verbal commitment concerning proposed walking and cycling facilities on affected roads. The commitments are significant because the ring road is expected to alter traffic patterns across the city and surrounding areas.
The legal agreement does not simply clear the way for the road project. It also places greater attention on how Galway’s existing streets will accommodate pedestrians and cyclists when traffic flows change.
Government says procurement can proceed
Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports Seán Canney said the agreement allows the project to move towards construction. He said the procurement process is now proceeding, with work expected to commence by 2028 at the latest.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien described the Galway ring road as the first road project in the State to receive “critical infrastructure” designation. The Government says the scheme will reduce congestion, improve journey times and strengthen connections across Galway and the wider western region.
The project is intended to provide a new strategic route around Galway city. Supporters say it could improve reliability for residents, commuters, freight operators and businesses, while reducing pressure on existing urban roads.
What is the Galway City Ring Road?
The planned N6 Galway City Ring Road is an approximately 18km road scheme running from the M6 motorway at the Coolagh roundabout to a location west of Bearna village.
Its route is designed to provide a connection around the city rather than requiring all cross-city traffic to use existing urban roads. The scheme has attracted strong support from those concerned about congestion, but it has also faced legal and environmental scrutiny.
Four judicial review cases challenged the planning permission granted by An Coimisiún Pleanála last April. Three cases brought by homeowners were settled last month. Foran’s withdrawal means no further judicial review is currently blocking the approved project.
Residents affected by land acquisition
While the withdrawal of the legal challenge advances the project, the road will have a direct effect on property owners along the planned route. Around 54 homes will be acquired to facilitate construction.
Galway County Council is engaging with residents through an early acquisition scheme. The process is expected to remain a significant issue for families whose homes are required for the road, particularly as procurement and preparation move forward.
The project’s next stages will include procurement, land and property arrangements, detailed design, environmental and statutory requirements, and the construction programme. The precise start date will depend on the completion of those steps.
What happens next?
- The procurement process will continue.
- Land acquisition discussions with affected residents will progress.
- Authorities will advance the design and delivery of active travel measures.
- Further statutory and construction preparations will take place.
- Construction could begin as early as next year, with 2028 identified as the latest expected start date by the Minister of State.
Will construction start in 2027?
Government statements indicate that construction could start as early as next year, while Minister Seán Canney said work is expected to commence by 2028 at the latest. The final start date will depend on procurement, land acquisition and remaining project preparations.
How long will the Galway ring road be?
The proposed route is approximately 18km long, extending from the M6 at Coolagh roundabout to an area west of Bearna village.
How many homes will be affected?
Approximately 54 homes are expected to be acquired to make way for the planned road. Galway County Council is engaging with affected residents through an early acquisition scheme.
Why the decision matters for Galway
The withdrawal of the final challenge marks a major turning point for one of the region’s most significant transport proposals. For the Government and project supporters, it opens the way for procurement and eventual construction. For residents, the impact will depend on how effectively the new road manages traffic without creating fresh safety problems on existing streets.
The commitments on cycling, walking facilities and one-way street policy will therefore be closely watched. The project’s success will be measured not only by whether it reduces congestion, but also by how safely Galway’s wider transport network works for people travelling by car, bus, bicycle and on foot.
Conclusion
This Breaking News development brings the Galway City Ring Road significantly closer to construction after the last High Court challenge was withdrawn. The €600 million scheme now moves into procurement and land-acquisition phases, with the Government targeting a start as early as next year and no later than 2028. Its long-term value will depend on delivering the promised congestion relief while protecting cyclists, pedestrians and communities affected by the route.