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Galway | Building Information Ireland

Apr 14
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Galway City Ring Road gets go-ahead

By | Industry News

The Galway City Ring Road has received the green light from An Coimisiún Pleanála.

Over 25 years on from its initial genesis, Galway County Council received notification of the decision on April 9. 

The government has pledged €1 billion for the N6 Galway City Outer Ring Road in its National Development Plan.

The proposed 18-kilometre road would run from the M6 motorway from the east of the city to the west of the village of Bearna.

It can now proceed to the next phase of the project – The Enabling and Procurement stage. This includes detailed design, preparation of contract documentation and the procurement process.

Galway City Council hailed the road as “a core component of the wider transport solution” for both the city and county.

Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney, welcomed the news and described it as a significant milestone.

“This is a really important and positive step forward for Galway. The Outer Ring Road has been talked about for many years, and to now have planning permission in place brings a much-needed level of clarity and momentum to the project,” he said.

“This is a major piece of infrastructure that has the potential to transform traffic movement around Galway, reduce congestion, and support the future growth and development of the city and surrounding areas.”

Minister Canney acknowledged that it has been a “long and difficult process” for families and people affected by the proposed route.

“The Government is fully supportive of this project, and funding has been provided for it under the National Development Plan Sectoral Plan for Transport. That commitment is crucial in ensuring we can now move from planning to delivery.”

Decades of delays and deliberations 

Designed to tackle chronic congestion, an outer city bypass was first proposed in 1999.

In 2008, An Bord Pleanála approved plans for the €17 million Galway City Outer Bypass project. This permission was then quashed in 2011.

Fast forward to 2018, Galway City Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland put forward an application for the Galway City Ring Road.

It initially secured approval in 2021. However, the High Court rescinded this permission after ABP said it had not considered the State’s Climate Action Plan when granting approval.

Feature Image Credit: ARUP

Aug 06
0

Plans applied for €75.5m housing development in Oranmore, Galway

By | Industry News

Plans have been applied for a €75.5 million Large Scale Residential Development (LRD) in Oranmore, Co Galway.

Developers Marshall Yards Development Company Ltd put forward plans for the construction of 171 new homes in Carton and Garraun South.

Current plans would see the demolition of an existing shed and associated structures on the 5.5-hectare site.

In its wake, plans see around 167 houses and 4 apartments built.

Of the houses, 16 will be one-beds, 71 will be two-beds, 70 will be three-beds and 10 will be four-beds.

The four apartments will be two-bed duplexes. 

Plans have been applied for a €75.5 million Large Scale Residential Development (LRD) in Oranmore, Co Galway -- bringing 171 new homes to the area.

Plans have been applied for a €75.5 million Large Scale Residential Development (LRD) in Oranmore, Co Galway — bringing 171 new homes to the area. Credit: John Fleming Architects (Dublin)

Applicants seek to build a creche and the provision of pedestrian and cyclist facilities along the R338 to Oranmore rail station.

An ESB substation, a pumping station and footpaths, parking, bicycle and bin stores are also included in current plans.

Access for residents would be available via a new entrance on the L-71051 to the east.

Marshall Yards Development Company Ltd submitted plans to Galway City Council on June 17, 2024.

A decision from the Council is due by August 11, 2024.

Feature Image Credit: John Fleming Architects (Dublin)

Dec 20
0

Galway Ring Road gets green light from An Bord Pleanála after series of delays

By | Upcoming Construction Projects

An Bord Pleanála has approved the planning application of the N6 Galway City Ring Road.

Estimated to cost €600 million, the proposed road aims to tackle congestion that has long plagued the city.

With propositions to alleviate traffic dating back to as early as 1999, the formal application for the current ring road plan (N6 GCRR) was submitted by Galway County Council over three years ago and has encountered a series of delays and deliberations.

Following an extensive oral hearing last year, An Bord Pleanála has now revised the design around the Parkmore business park and discarded proposed new permanent stables at Galway Racecourse.

The planning body said that the road will have “significant permanent positive impacts” for travellers in relation to their journey times.

They insisted that development must entirely follow plans submitted, which will see the construction of both dual and single carriageways stretching over 18 kilometres.

The dual-lane will begin with a new interchange from the end of the M6 and continue for 12 kilometres until the existing N59 where it will taper into a single lane until its termination point west of Bearna.

The road will also involve a section of a tunnel towards the Galway Racecourse.

Continuing westwards to the Corrib, a second section of tunnel will be constructed as well as a new crossing over the river.

Current plans will see the road reach NUI Galway on a viaduct, before veering towards the Bushypark area.

As part of An Bord Pleanála’s revisions, special infrastructure will be in place for wildlife such as barn owls, otters and lesser horseshoe bats alongside parts of the route.

Stipulations have also been set down for the types of trees that can be planted by the roads.

Galway City Council has estimated that the road will take three years to construct.

In a statement, the Council and its partner Transport Infrastructure Ireland welcomed An Bord Pleanála’s decision.

“The N6 GCRR will transform Galway City Centre from a location typically characterised by heavy congestion and significant traffic volumes to a destination of choice for residents, workers and visitors alike — with increased walking and cycling infrastructure, and a more reliable, frequent and attractive public transport offer,” Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Mr Brendan McGrath, said.

“The decision by An Bord Pleanála will support a number of key policy areas for Galway City, and the wider western region, relating to sustainable travel; urban realm; active lifestyles; climate action; and compact employment-led growth.”

Although the road is embraced by many, opponents of the project have voiced their concerns over the road’s output of carbon emissions.

In its decision document, An Bord Pleanála conceded that the project is “likely to result in a significant negative impact on carbon emissions and climate that will not be fully mitigated”.

The decision document also found that the road will have “negative direct and indirect impacts” to archaeological and built heritage sites found near the desired route, with one protected structure set to be completely demolished.

Since its formal application in 2018, around 500 landowners along the desired route have received Compulsory Acquisition Notices.