Plans to develop a new ring road in Galway city centre have taken a major step forward.

Planning permission has been granted for the N6 Galway City Ring Road (N6 GCRR) project by An Bord Pleanála.

Work will now progress on the project, which aims to support significant future population and employment growth in the area with additional links to the road network, including a new crossing over the River Corrib and linkages between the various radial routes that serve the city.

The N6 GCRR will reroute national 'through traffic' from the centre of Galway City, allowing the existing over-capacity road network to function more effectively, and creating road space for walking, cycling, and public transport infrastructure – enabling an integrated transport solution for the city and environs, as envisaged in the Galway Transport Strategy. The decision of An Bord Pleanála will facilitate the full implementation of the Galway Transport Strategy with benefits for active travel and public transport and with a very positive impact on sustainable travel transport mode share. The proposed development will greatly improve on traffic congestion and journey times on key routes in the overall transport network.

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Galway City Council has welcomed the decision to approve the project, which is funded by the Department of Transport and TII through Project Ireland 2040.

The Chief Executive of Galway City Council, Mr Brendan McGrath commented: "As Galway City and its environs continues to grow as planned under the National Development Plan and in the National Development Plan, it is crucial to safeguard the future development of the city as the principal economic centre and growth driver in the west of Ireland, and to ensure that development is sustainable. The proposed road development comprises approximately 18km of road infrastructure from a new junction with the R336 at the western side of Bearna to tie-in to the existing N6 to the east of Galway City at Coolagh, Briarhill. 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. 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."