Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, has stated that the decision to set aside planning permission for the N6 Galway City Ring Road (GCRR ) will have a detrimental impact on the city and region.
The project was given the green light last November, so the group are dismayed by the latest setback to the plans to progress the project.
It said that the GCRR is an infrastructure project of national significance and a key growth enabler for the entire West region.
“The Galway Transport Strategy places an emphasis on delivering sustainable transport solutions. The GCRR is a core component of the strategy, providing more space for sustainable modes of travel such as walking, cycling, and public transport in the metropolitan area, to support population growth, in a compact and sustainable manner.???
“The ring road will support improved mobility in the city. It will tackle the city’s congestion challenges by reducing the number of cars in the city, creating a city centre more conducive to walking and cycling, and more efficient for cross-city public transport journeys.
“This will ultimately lead to an improved quality of life for residents and workers and make the city more liveable and attractive. This decision is a major setback for regional growth and competitiveness.
“The project is long overdue and urgently needed. It is a vital enabler for strong, balanced, and sustainable growth. The issues arising must be speedily resolved and the fast-tracking of the application must be treated as a priority by An Bord Pleanála. It is unfortunate that the Board appeared to be unaware of the Government’s earlier (published ) decision to adopt the 2021 Climate Action Plan,” it concluded.
