State 'made mistakes' over Galway Ring Road CPOs - Canney

Minister of State at the Department of Transport Seán Canney has acknowledged that the government made "mistakes" in handling the compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) affecting 54 homes along the Galway City Ring Road. The issue has sparked concern among affected families, many of whom have faced uncertainty for over 13 years. A CPO enables public authorities to acquire land or property without the owner's consent for projects deemed in the public interest, such as major infrastructure developments. However, the prolonged nature of the process has left homeowners in a state of limbo, preventing them from selling their properties through standard channels or securing relocation funds until the CPO reaches a final stage. The Galway City Ring Road, a €1 billion project aimed at alleviating traffic congestion, has been a long-standing initiative. Its finalised route was approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála in April this year, nearly two decades after initial proposals for an outer bypass were introduced. Homeowners were first informed of potential CPOs in 2013, though the process has remained unresolved. The planned 18 km route would extend from the M6 on the eastern edge of Galway city to a point west of Bearna. Construction is anticipated to commence in 2028 if all approvals proceed without further delays. Canney, speaking on RTÉ's Prime Time, admitted the current approach to handling CPOs involving family homes requires reconsideration. He stated that resolving the situations of the 54 families must become a top priority. “We can get works done, we can get construction done, but the first thing we need to do is to make sure that these 54 families are sorted out as a matter of urgency,” he emphasized. He noted that discussions with officials from Galway City Council, Galway County Council, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland had led to agreement on prioritizing the affected households. Canney suggested that future major infrastructure projects might benefit from reforms to the CPO process, particularly regarding how family homes are treated. He expressed support for offering early buyouts to homeowners impacted by such projects, stating, “we have to do something on them lines.” He stressed that homes with families should be handled distinctly from commercial or non-residential properties, highlighting the unique challenges faced by residents. Three women whose homes are among those targeted by the CPO shared their experiences with Prime Time’s Sarah McInerney. Loretta Needham, who purchased her home in Galway in 1990, recalled being informed over a decade ago that her residence could be demolished for the road. She described the emotional toll of living with uncertainty, noting that retirement plans, health concerns, and even basic home repairs have been disrupted. “You’d say, what's the point?” she remarked, reflecting the frustration felt by many. Legal challenges have complicated the project’s progress. Initially approved in 2021, the decision was overturned due to climate-related concerns. The project received renewed planning approval earlier this year, but further legal actions have delayed clarity for affected families. Despite ongoing efforts to finalize the CPO process, homeowners remain uncertain about when they will be required to relocate and where they will settle. As the project moves closer to realization, the government faces mounting pressure to address the long-standing grievances of those impacted.