Ribbons have been cut on the newest section of the Athenry Northern Ring Road in Galway.
The section of the Athenry Ring Road connecting the Tuam Road and the M6 motorway junction in Co Galway was formally opened on Friday, September 11.
“The Athenry Northern Ring Road is identified in the Athenry Local Area Plan 2024-2030, adopted by the Elected Members, as a key infrastructure project to support the economic development of the town and housing growth,” Galway County Council Chief Executive Liam Conneally said.
“It will improve access to lands zoned for residential, industrial, business and technology development.”
Cathaoirleach of County Galway Cllr Andrew Reddington said it will further mediate traffic concerns from Athenry’s town centre and support “sustainable growth” of the town.
Concerns were raised last month by Galway East TD Louis O’Hara that funds provided under the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund (HIIF) might no longer cover the full completion of the road or the railway bridge works.
“I have met with Department of Transport officials in relation to the Athenry Ring Road. They have informed me that while the road itself is not cost-prohibitive, the works on the railway bridge are likely to be,” he said.
Construction on the next phase of the road is expected to begin in early 2027 according to Minister of State for Transport and Galway East TD Seán Canney.
The works will connect the Tuam Road with the Monivea Road.
When fully completed, the Athenry Northern Ring Road is expected to carry around 2,000 vehicles a day.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme.