There was widespread relief among the general population in Galway, and particularly among the local authorities and transport authorities, following the recent decision of An Coimisiún Pleanála to grant approval for the Galway city ring road. This will obviously allow for the development of the road but also enable the city to develop a new metropolitan transport strategy. One group of people for whom the road development has had a direct and probably greater significance are the 54 homeowners who will be subject to compulsory purchase as part of the process. These families were first advised in the winter of 2015 that their homes were along the preferred route corridor of the new road. There has been a long period of uncertainty for these families. We are at a point now where we need the transport authorities to engage proactively with the families in a sympathetic, purposeful but definite and direct manner to reduce that uncertainty and give clarity to where they currently are and also to recognise the challenging circumstances these families have endured for the past decade. This was the second time planning was granted for the road. These families require some certainty.

I agree with the Deputy. Most of us are not from Galway, but we see the importance of the road and its approval recently. It is, however, important that any new project engage with families locally in a sensitive way. I will relay the Deputy's concern directly to the Minister and ask that the transport authority engage directly and as quickly as possible. I know people locally want to see the project move as quickly as possible.