A number of parties are hoping to challenge the decision to approve a ring road for Galway city.
The High Court will consider four applications seeking leave to apply for a Judicial Review of the permission, which was granted by An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) in April.
Any such challenge has to be sought within eight weeks of the decision being formally published or notified. That deadline elapsed today.
Hearings in relation to all applications will be heard by the Court in mid-November.
Proceedings are being expedited after the proposed N6 Galway City Ring Road was approved as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, on foot of an application by the local authorities overseeing the plan.
One of the objections centres on the diversion of heavy traffic in the Knocknacarra area, with the contention that planners have made no assessment of the suitability of a number of minor routes, with regard to the presence of pedestrians or cyclists.
It is argued increased vehicle movements on the roads in question would necessitate consideration of vulnerable road users.
€1 billion has been committed for the 18km project
Other applications have been lodged by parties who had previously expressed concern about the impact the planned route would have on their properties, or the areas in which they reside.
In granting approval, An Coimisiún Pleanála said it was satisfied the proposed 18km route would “play a key role in the facilitating the implementation of active travel and public transport measures … by removing through vehicular traffic away from the city centre”.
It said the road would “have significant permanent positive impacts in terms of improved journey times” but acknowledged that the development would result in an increase in greenhouse gas emissions and “does not meet Ireland’s target of net zero”.
The project, involving Galway City and County Councils, along with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, aims to ease gridlock in the city.
Planners are also emphasising its role in the development of a wider transport strategy for the area.
But opponents say it will have a negative effect on carbon emissions and other, more sustainable public transport strategies are needed, to tackle the problem.
Construction work on the proposed development cannot commence, until all legal challenges to it are resolved.
However, the agencies managing the application say other work on the project is continuing, with additional staff allocated and more appointments planned.
Galway County Council says ‘market engagement’, procurement strategies, detailed design and tender preparation work is ongoing. The local authority said the possibility of legal challenges had been factored into its timeframe and, subject to them being overcome, would not delay the aspirational start date for construction.
With four days set aside to hear the applications later this year, a judgement on the challenges may be forthcoming by the end of 2026.
Read more: Galway City Ring Road granted approval after 20-year delay