The Galway Ring Road is a project that, if planning is granted, will be funded by Government. I was one of the negotiating team that formulated the Programme for Government and I worked to secure the Government’s commitment to progressing and delivering this critical piece of strategic infrastructure for Galway.
For the avoidance of doubt, on page 14 of the Programme for Government is a commitment to “…….develop and implement the existing strategies for our cities, such as the Galway Transport StrategY”. The Galway Ring Road forms a major part of the Galway Transport Strategy and is thus committed to in the Programme for Government.
If we are to deliver long term and sustainable transport infrastructure for families, communities and business in Galway, the Galway Transport Strategy must include solutions for all modes of transport. Pedestrians, cyclists, and those driving and commuting by bus are all experiencing the same gridlock in our city centre.
We all have a shared objective to remove this bumper-to-bumper traffic; the Galway Ring Road is just one element of a multi modal transport solution in achieving that. It is therefore essential that this commitment in the Programme for Government is honoured on conclusion of the work currently under way in An Bord Pleanala and our local authorities.” the local TD said.
Last week An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, reiterated in the strongest terms that, should the planning process allow, Government will proceed with the project, given its inclusion in the Programme for Government,” the Government Chief Whip stated.
In recent weeks, months, and indeed years, I have met with constituents and business groups in Galway in relation to the necessity of the Galway Ring Road.
The Galway Chamber of Commerce could not be clearer that the project is both warranted and of urgent necessity. I have always been of the view that this project is not a silver bullet, but it is necessary, in addition to greater public transport and park and ride facilities” the Minister indicated.
There can be no doubt where Fine Gael stands on this. The Galway Ring Road is part of the Programme for Government. If An Bord Pleanala grant permission, the road will be funded by Government.
