The Government’s decision to designate the N6 Galway City Ring Road as a critical infrastructure project under the Critical Infrastructure Act 2026 has been widely welcomed across Galway as a major step towards accelerating the delivery of one of the State’s largest road projects.
The N6 Galway City Ring Road is one of three major transport projects nationally to receive critical infrastructure designation today. The designation recognises the project’s strategic importance to Galway, the wider western region and the State.
Under the Critical Infrastructure Act 2026, designated projects are to receive priority and coordinated attention across relevant Government departments, State agencies and public bodies. This will support closer inter-agency cooperation, allow relevant administrative and regulatory processes to progress in parallel where appropriate and help to reduce avoidable delays while retaining all applicable legal, planning and environmental requirements.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Seán Canney TD, welcomes the signing of this Order, which marks another important step in progressing the long-awaited Galway City Ring Road.
“This project is of enormous importance, not just for Galway City but for the wider western region. It will improve connectivity, reduce congestion and support economic growth across Galway and the west.”
“My focus now is on ensuring we continue to progress this project as quickly as possible so that it can deliver for communities, businesses and everyone who depends on our transport network.”
Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Cllr Andrew Reddington, said the designation is “a major vote of confidence” in Galway and the western region.
“The Ring Road is vital to improving connectivity, supporting our communities and enabling Galway to realise its full economic potential.”
Mayor of the City of Galway, Cllr Helen Ogbu, said the designation recognises the urgent need to address Galway’s transport challenges.
“The Ring Road, delivered as part of an integrated transport strategy, can help reduce congestion and create greater space within the city for reliable public transport, walking and cycling. This is an important step for the future of Galway City and its people.”
Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally said this designation provides clear national recognition that this is critical infrastructure, not only for Galway City and County but for the economic and social development of the entire western region.
“The designation will support a more coordinated and efficient approach across the public bodies involved in the delivery of the project and help ensure that it receives the priority appropriate to infrastructure of this national importance.”
“The Ring Road is an essential part of Galway’s wider transport solution. By removing strategic traffic from the existing urban road network, it will create the capacity required to improve public transport, walking and cycling infrastructure, while reducing congestion and improving journey-time reliability.”
“Galway County Council will continue working closely with Galway City Council, TII and Government to progress the project as expeditiously as possible.”
Chief Executive of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII ), Lorcan O’Connor, said welcomed the enactment of this pivotal legislation and thanked Minister Chambers for prioritising these key projects under the auspices of TII.”
“The designation of MetroLink and the Galway Ring Road as Critical Infrastructure is a powerful vote of confidence in their transformative potential for Ireland’s transport network, economy and regional development.”
“Delivering large projects of this scale requires seamless alignment across every public body involved in the planning, consenting and environmental approval processes.
“The streamlined, parallel framework established by this legislation will allow TII, working with Galway City Council and Galway County Council, along with our project teams, to maintain momentum, reduce unnecessary administrative timelines and deliver these critical national assets as efficiently as possible for the public,” he said.
The N6 Galway City Ring Road was approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála on 7 April 2026. The proposed scheme comprises approximately 5.6 kilometres of single carriageway and 11.9 kilometres of dual carriageway and motorway, including a significant new crossing of the River Corrib.
The project is being progressed by Galway County Council on behalf of both local authorities in Galway, in partnership with TII. It forms part of the EU’s TEN-T Comprehensive Network and is identified as a key growth enabler for the Galway Metropolitan Area and as a strategic investment priority under national planning and infrastructure policy. The project is currently the subject of judicial review proceedings.
