A county councillor has called the proposal for a new service station, less than 5km from Oranmore, "a total waste of public money".
Independent councillor Jim Cuddy believes that there is little requirement for another petrol station in the area.
His grievances come amid plans by Transport Infrastructure Ireland to create a new petrol station at Lisheenkyle West, the entry point to the M6.
"It is a total waste of public money," said Cllr Cuddy of the project. "The move will only affect service stations in the surrounding area.
"It completely undermines the local indigenous businesses which have been heavily invested in over the last couple of years."
In the vicinity, there are as many as 10 service stations within reach of the motorway, without taking into the account the purpose-built Galway Plaza which is situated on the Loughrea junction of the M6.
Having only opened in February of this year, the Plaza seems to remedy any of the area's shortcomings.
"We have ample competition in the area already, and there is no necessity for a new service station."
Just this week, the councillor met with representatives in the area to discuss the proposal, and forwarded a list of 14 observation to TII, but as of August 15, he had not received any feedback on the issue.
A spokesperson for TII stated that according to the European motorway policy, there is a requirement to provide a level of services with specific criteria.
Its initial tender for the service station, however, pre-dated the construction of the Galway Plaza, said Cuddy.
"TII can put its plans directly to An Bord Pleanala," added Cllr Cuddy. "Meanwhile, locals have to apply to the local authorities before any property is built", as did Supermac's Pat McDonagh for his M6 service station.
"The location is completely wrong. If you are driving from Limerick to Galway, there is no facility on that road so it doesn't make sense."
Cuddy believes that the public's money would be better spent in more useful areas like the upkeep of the roads around Oranmore.
