Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My Department has had extensive engagement, including significant pre-planning engagement, with Galway County Council on the projects referred to by the Deputy. My Department has continued its considerable engagement following An Bord Pleanála’s consent for the Oughterard to Maam Cross section of the road project. Some eight method statements have been received to date on the project, with initial statements approved within two weeks or less. Recent statements received have been particularly complex and key information was omitted or the statements had not been approved by the council, as required. Senior officials of my Department arranged a meeting earlier this month with Galway County Council to address these issues and this positive engagement will continue.

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There is no doubt that the overall N59 development is a complex project. It is incumbent on my Department to balance its regional development objectives and its environmental obligations in seeking to contribute to a positive outcome for the people of Galway West, Connemara and the region in general while seeking also to avoid the project falling foul of legal challenge.

I remain available to meet, as necessary, with public representatives on this matter. I have had meetings with my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Kyne, on the matter and he has briefed me on it and impressed upon me the importance of this road to the area.

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