EU LAW MAY SCUPPER CITY BYPASS SELECTED ROUTE

Date Published: 11-Jan-2008

Observers at the Galway city outer bypass oral hearing have welcomed the comments of a state ecologist.

Dr Julie Fossett of the National Parks and Wildlife Service has said the proposed 21km route would have an adverse effect on the Special Area of Conservation around Lough Corrib.

Her damning report warns An Bord Pleanala that the bypass will only be allowed under EU law if there are no alternatives to the current proposed route.

Her comments have been welcomed by observers who say she is the only Government expert to criticise the selected route.