Row over plan to free Galway’s congested streets

A controversial transport plan aimed at freeing up Galway City’s congested streets is facing massive opposition.

The plan involves a choice of six routes proposed by consultants Arup to bypass Galway City centre, but they require the demolition of up to 130 homes and business premises and have the potential to seriously impact on the Galway racecourse for at least two years.

The bypass has been under discussion for the last decade and an original route, submitted to An Bord Pleanála in 2006 was fought all the way to the European Court where it was shot down because it impacted on a Special Area of Conservation.