Salthill Knocknacarra GAA has confirmed that significant road infrastructure improvements form a central part of its planning application for new club facilities at Mincloon.
The club has moved to correct what they said were ‘inaccurate claims’ circulating about the project in recent days. A comprehensive roads and traffic plan for the Mincloon project was developed by TOBIN Consulting Engineers and submitted with the planning application on 13th February 2026.
TOBIN is a leading expert in the area of road infrastructure planning and has successfully delivered national infrastructure projects in partnership with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII ) and delivered Active Travel & Safe Routes to School projects in Galway City and across the west of Ireland.
The Mincloon Project roads plan includes:
· Upgrades to Clybaun Junction.
· Road widening to the site entrance.
· A Traffic Impact Assessment.
The roads plan and measures relating to environmental and ecological elements are publicly available via the Galway City planning portal. The club encourages interested parties to read the submission and engage with the Club on any concerns.
In addition to the road and traffic measures, the application also includes:
· Comprehensive environmental assessments
· Full compliance with GAA catchment regulations
· Both “with” and “without” scenarios in respect of the Galway Ring Road
· The proposal is not dependent on any separate decision relating to the Ring Road.
John Tyrrell of the Mincloon Development Committee said it is important that discussion of this project is grounded in fact.
“The Mincloon Project planning application contains a detailed expert road and traffic plan. The documentation clearly provides for substantial road upgrades, detailed traffic modelling and full environmental assessment. That is a matter of public record.
“We continue to engage proactively and constructively with other clubs, local representatives and relevant stakeholders. We thank those who have taken up our offer of engagement and we will continue to work with them. We remain open and available to engage in constructive, informed discussions with those who have not yet responded to our invitation.”
Separately, Salthill Knocknacarra GAA noted that recent closures of council pitches have once again affected hundreds of underage players across Galway city.
Last weekend alone, 20 underage squads within the Club had their scheduled pitch sessions cancelled due to the unavailability of council facilities.
The proposed Mincloon development would provide:
· One full-size and one juvenile natural grass pitch, including floodlighting
· One full-size floodlit all-weather 4G pitch to ensure year-round access
· Significant road infrastructure improvements
· Safe and managed access for players, families and the wider community
The Club said the inclusion of a full-size 4G pitch would significantly reduce reliance on council-owned facilities and increase overall playing capacity in Galway city.
The full planning application can be viewed at: https://www.eplanning.ie/GalwayCity/AppFileRefDetails/2660043/0
Members of the public are encouraged to review the application and make a submission if they wish.
