GALWAY are finally going to get the ring-road they've been asking for since 1999.
The long-awaited proposal to construct a circular bypass around the city of Galway has been approved by the Government.
The original plans were first proposed 19 years ago and the scheme will aim to reduce traffic congestion and improve public transport in the city.
Motorists have experienced long delays in Galway for years and traffic congestion has been amongst the worst in the country at times.
The new plans involve the construction of a new bridge and viaduct over the River Corrib, as well as two tunnels on the east side of the city.
Galway City Council will now propose the 18km link between the east and west of the city to An Bord Pleanala.
The original proposals, made back in 1999, were halted amid concerns about the effects it might have on areas of special conservation.
The current proposed road will also serve two of the city’s largest business parks, Ballybrit and Parkmore which are both located on the east side of the city.
Dave Hickey, President of Galway Chamber welcomed the news, saying: "Traffic congestion in Galway is cited as the most significant barrier to its continued economic growth according to recent surveys of Galway Chamber’s members.
"We need all of relevant state bodies, national and local, to drive this project forward as quickly as possible because it has been too long delayed and people in Galway have been losing out because of that," he added.
"The Galway City ring road is an essential part of the overall transportation strategy for the city and Galway Chamber urges Galway City Council to accelerate the implementation of the elements of that strategy that are not entirely dependent on the ring road.
"It also calls on government to make the funding available for these projects as a priority.
"Fast and frequent public transport, cycle ways as well as pedestrianisation are key parts of the solution to Galway’s transport problems."
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross believes the new developments will greatly improve transport in the west.
“The people of Galway have long-awaited this decision and will benefit hugely from it,” he said.
