Galway Ring Road update sparks fresh calls for fast tracking University Hospital

Shantalla Park concerns also remain

Published 16th Aug 2026, 18:19 BST University Hospital Galway | Iconic Shantalla Park concerns also remain Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.

The Government 's decision to fast-track the N6 Galway City Ring Road under new Critical Infrastructure legislation has raised fresh questions over why the redevelopment of University Hospital Galway ( UHG ) has yet to receive the same designation.

Galway City Cllr Peter Keane (FF) has described the move as a "curious proposition", arguing that the Ring Road already has planning permission from An Coimisiún Pleanála and has long been included in the National Development Plan.

Earlier this year, both Galway City and County Councils voted in favour of including UHG on the Government's critical infrastructure list.

“It is difficult to see what practical benefit critical infrastructure designation will now provide to a project that has already successfully navigated the planning system,” he said.

“By contrast, the redevelopment of University Hospital Galway stands at a critical point in its journey.”

Cllr Keane has warned that, without the designation, the project could face further delays.

He said that planning applications for Blocks A and B are expected to be submitted in October or November 2026.

“If Critical Infrastructure designation is granted now, it could fundamentally transform the delivery timeline for this project,” he said.

“Without such designation, there is a very real danger that the planning process could become protracted through additional legal and procedural delays, potentially adding three to five years before construction can properly commence.”

The Critical Infrastructure Act allows the Government to designate certain infrastructure projects developed by or on behalf of the State as being of critical national importance, requiring public bodies to prioritise approvals, accelerate decision-making and dedicate the resources needed to reduce delays.

The planning applications for the redevelopment of UHG now include the proposed new heliport at Shantalla Park.

Last month, Galway City Council voted to sell 3.69 acres of council-owned land to the HSE and Saolta University Health Care Group for a new heliport as part of the overall masterplan.

It was the end of a decades-long saga where residents fought to save the park until the bitter end.

Cllr Keane said the recent decision to finally sell the land to the HSE was “neither easy or straightforward”.

“It was a key enabling decision without which the masterplan could not proceed.

“While there was genuine concern regarding the disposal of valuable public amenity lands, there was also a recognition that exceptional circumstances demand exceptional leadership.”

Campaigners have asked why such importance was placed on the Shantalla parkland.

Read More WATCH: Galway Rose Jodie Kenny’s funny reason behind entering Rose of Tralee Best business advice Supermac’s owner Pat McDonagh ever received was only four words Popular Galway hairdressers closing after 20 years thanks 'heartbeat of business' customers “The real question is why did this whole masterplan hinge on buying land that didn't belong to the hospital,” said Dr Conan Reilly of the Shantalla Park Action Group.

“They have been after the land for the last 20 years. This circumstance is exceptional. There is a loss of trust after several attempts to get the land.”

For Shantalla resident Sinéad Quirke, the removal of the goalposts at the park shortly after the vote was taken was another blow to the community.

“If I could have bought goalposts for the kids I would have. I thought it was a bit unfair. Let the kids play for the rest of the summer on it. No work has started yet.”

Community fears remain that the land will become a car park despite reassurances from Galway City Council.

“We know we won't get it back after what happened with the temporary helipad,” continued Sinéad.

“It will be a temporary heliport for a few months and it won't work out for some reason. It will become a car park.”

Planning permission was first sought by the HSE in August 2013 for a temporary emergency helicopter landing facility at Shantalla Park.

The helipad, they said. would operate for approximately six months while construction of the hospital's multi-storey car park was underway.

The planning notice stated: "Once the decked car park is completed the area shall be returned to parkland."

Instead, the temporary helipad remained in situ for 13 years, leaving residents in limbo.

At the meeting of Galway City Council, Cllr Keane put forward a proposal to protect the land from becoming a car park.

Under his proposal, which was accepted by the members as part of the overall sales package, the land could only ever be used as a heliport.

If that changed, ownership would revert to Galway City Council for the original purchase price of €691,875 (excluding VAT).

A further €1.108 million, ringfenced for the Shantalla area under the 'community gain' element of the deal, would not have to be paid back.

"In framing the motion, I am seeking to allay the rightly founded fears and mistrust for decades of the HSE,” Cllr Keane said at the time.

Campaigners have acknowledged the need for the hospital to be upgraded and, as a resident of Shantalla, Sinéad can see the constant demand for parking firsthand.

Like many residents, she often allows day patients and those struggling to find a space to park at her home if necessary.

“I have told them the one thing they are struggling with is parking,” said Sinéad.

“We've been told it will cost 75k per parking space if they go underground. One person is saying one thing and another person is saying another.”

Read More KFC Knocknacarra open date nears closer as pictures show update Warnings issued for Galway beaches as public advised 'exercise caution' 13 gardai to patrol seven dedicated Galway city areas daily from today under new policing plan She said compromise could have been found if local residents had been engaged with properly.

“It was all very badly done, there was no consultation,” she said.

“Young families are moving to Shantalla and the park has been so important to the community for decades. For some it is only a bit of green space but it has a lot of history.”

She argued that the €1.1 million community gain fund could easily be caught up in reports and red tape.

“There won't be anything left,” she said. “For example, they could tell us we need to put up fencing and that could take the entire amount.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Keane has reiterated that the Government’s new Critical Infrastructure legislation “presents an extraordinary opportunity”.

“Critical Infrastructure designation for the redevelopment of University Hospital Galway would be a genuine game-changer.

“University Hospital Galway must continue to develop as the principal acute hospital for the west of Ireland.