Galway Chamber and IBEC have welcomed planning approval for the N6 Galway City Ring Road announced today, emphasising its importance to the city’s future.
Galway Chamber has called for immediate progress on the N6 Galway City Ring Road after An Coimisiún Pleanála approved the project, warning that any further delay would undermine the region’s economic prospects.
The Chamber, which represents 500 businesses employing 30,000 people in Galway city, said congestion is continuing to damage productivity, investment and quality of life.
Chief executive Karen Ronan said the decision marked an important step but insisted that Galway “has waited long enough”.
“This project has been discussed, delayed and debated for years while congestion has continued to worsen, impacting our economy, our environment and the daily lives of people across the region. The time for delivery is now,” she said.
Ms Ronan said the Ring Road would not solve Galway’s traffic problems on its own but was “a central part of a multistrand approach”, with BusConnects, expanded rail services and investment in cycling infrastructure all required to tackle the city’s transport challenges.
She also warned that the project “cannot afford to be beset by additional legal and administrative delays that have affected it since the outset” and urged Galway County Council, Galway City Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to move without delay to the detailed design and procurement stage.
The Chamber said the Ring Road remains essential to unlocking economic growth and restoring Galway’s competitiveness as a regional and international investment location.
It said the project must now be treated as a national priority and aligned with the State’s commitments to balanced regional development under the National Planning Framework.
“This is not just a Galway issue. It is a national economic issue. If we are serious about regional development, then projects like the Galway Ring Road must be delivered with urgency and accountability,” Ms Ronan said.
Helen Leahy, Head of Regional Policy at IBEC, said, “The Galway City Ring Road is an infrastructure project of national significance and a key growth enabler for the entire West region.”
She added that the road is a “core component” of a wider transport solution for Galway, providing more space for sustainable travel in the city and supporting population growth.
“The ring road will support improved accessibility across the county and will enhance mobility in the city. It will tackle the city’s congestion challenges by reducing the number of cars, creating a city centre more conducive to walking and cycling, and more efficient for cross city public transport journeys.”
“This will lead to improved quality of life for residents and workers and make the city more liveable and attractive. Addressing bottlenecks and traffic congestion in the city centre will also reduce vehicle emissions and support ambitious climate action and sustainable development commitments.”
“The project is long overdue and urgently needed to meet existing and future city transport needs. Business has been waiting for 20 years for progress on this; the focus must now shift to actually delivering the project. It is a vital enabler for strong, balanced, and sustainable growth.”
