Galway Schools' Project In The Balance

Builders in Galway are holding their breath as millions of Euro in funding for two proposed schools developments on the east side of the city could be lost with the building work delayed for up to 20 years.

It has emerged that a dispute over a roadway could see the whole project being shelved.

Councillors were warned in mid May that Galway Council might not proceed with building the controversial new road through a green area in the Túr Uisce estate in Doughiska after workers were forced to stop construction on the road due to health and safety concerns after residents protested.


The Connacht Sentinel has reported that several meetings have already taken place between officials and residents after a standoff took place on Good Friday when workers were forced to stop construction on the road.

The school received outline planning permission with a primary and secondary school facility to be built on a site, but one of the conditions of the planning was that road access to the site would be provided through Túr Uisce.

If the road is not built by June, then the Public Private Partnership money allocated for the two schools would be put in jeopardy and would delay the building of the schools "for at least 15 or 20 years" given the current economic climate.

Residents fear the road would compromise the 'public transport corridor' site adjacent to that earmarked for the schools and compromise recreational and amenity zoned lands in the area.

(BMcC/GK)