A lead engineer on the proposed new Galway City bypass has dismissed claims by a locally-based senator that the project could be delayed over a ‘rubber stamping’ issue.
Speaking to the Connacht Tribune, Michael Timmins, Senior Engineer with the National Road Design Office said that matters raised by Fidelma Healy Eames on local radio this week will have “absolutely zero impact on the timescale”.
Senator Healy Eames said she received documentation under a Freedom of Information request which showed that Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe had to make a declaration supporting the project before it is submitted to An Bord Pleanala, while he had previously stated his department had no role in the process.
According to a letter last June from Fred Barry, then CEO of the NRA (now Transport Infrastructure Ireland) to Minister Donohoe: “The scheme crosses a Special Area of Conservation, and despite mitigation will damage a designated habitat. Consequently, under the provisions of the Habitats Directive the scheme must be necessary for Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest (IROPI) if it is to proceed.
“We have requested a declaration to that effect, to come from Ministerial or Departmental level, from the Department. It is needed by the Autumn to avoid delay in submitting the scheme to An Bord Pleanála,” the letter reads.
Senator Healy Eames accused the Minister of not being “up front” with details.
“Galway is choked by traffic gridlock on a daily basis. It’s an ongoing crisis affecting the city and surrounding areas. It is an outrage that the Minister and the Department wasn’t up-front and honest that this declaration was requested by the NRA.
“He has no idea of the stress and frustration he is causing for so many Galway people. People whose homes, farms and communities are threatened and due to be destroyed by the new route should not be treated like this,” said Senator Healy Eames.
However, Michael Timmins said: “This will have absolutely zero impact on the timescale of the project. It would be ridiculous of the State to allow this move this far and then decide they don’t want it [the bypass].
“It’s an unnecessary confusion [Senator Healy Eames’ statement] at this stage as it will not in any way hinder the project.
“Of course the Government of the day will have to support it … it is going to cost €500 million. It will need the support of ministers at three departments – of Transport; of Environment and of Agriculture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht,” said Mr Timmins.
He said the planning application – which includes details of Compulsory Purchase Orders, an Environmental Impact Statement and a Natura Impact Statement – will be published in the third quarter of this year.
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