Ministers for Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland welcome resolution of Galway City Ring Road Judicial Reviews following successful mediation

A press release from the Department of Transport:

Ministers for Transport welcome confirmation that all judicial review proceedings in connection with the Galway City Ring Road have now been withdrawn, following a period of constructive mediation.

The judicial reviews related to the decision of An Coimisiún Pleanála to grant planning approval for the Galway City Ring Road. This resolution avoids the need for a full High Court hearing and provides important certainty for the delivery of the Galway City Ring Road, a project of critical importance to Galway and the wider western region.

In July of this year, the Galway City Ring Road was among the first transport projects designated as critical infrastructure under the Critical Infrastructure Act, 2026. Designation mandates all public bodies to do everything within their power to accelerate any decision-making processes associated with these projects.

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien said:

“I’m delighted that this mediation process has resulted in the withdrawal of the judicial review proceedings against the Galway City Ring Road. It means we can now look forward to the delivery of this transformative project. This Government places a high degree of importance on this project, demonstrated by its being the first road project in the State to be designated as critical infrastructure. Today’s announcement is good news for the people of Galway and gives everyone much needed certainty about the next steps.”

Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney, said:

“Today’s announcement is great news for the people of Galway and the wider region. I know how important this long-awaited project is in supporting the growth of Galway, as well as reducing congestion in the city centre and enabling the improvement of public transport and active travel. It will enhance regional connectivity enabling the efficient movement of people and goods. I congratulate everyone involved in bringing the mediation process to a successful outcome and look forward to seeing the delivery of this vitally important project.”

Lorcan O’Connor, CEO of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), said:

“The withdrawal of the final Judicial Review related to the Galway City Ring Road is a very welcome and significant milestone. This project is critical to Galway City and Galway County because it will address congestion, improve public transport options and enhance connectivity to the wider western region. While there are further steps ahead, today's development brings us much closer to delivering this vital transportation infrastructure project. TII looks forward to continuing to work with the Department of Transport, Galway City Council and Galway County Council to progress the scheme."

ENDS

Notes to the Editor

The Galway City Ring Road is an orbital route around Galway from the N6 to west of Bearna, including a new bridge crossing of the River Corrib. It will comprise 12.5km of motorway between the existing N6 at Coolagh (northeast of the city) to the existing Ballymoneen Road (northwest of the city) and continues as a single carriageway road for a further 5km of road, west of Bearna.

The project is aimed at reducing the volume of traffic in the city centre, as well as providing for the increased use of active travel and public transport (including projects such as BusConnects Galway). It will support the wider region by improving access to and from Connemara and the wider Western Region.

The project will now proceed to the pre-tender stage, including the finalisation of a Procurement Strategy, as is required under the Infrastructure Guidelines.

Date Published: 02.11.2026