The existing N17 runs from Galway City in the south to Sligo in the north, where it joins the existing N4 at the Tubberbride roundabout. The overall length of the existing N17 is 138 kilometres. The proposed scheme which is 25.5km in length commences at the Rathmorrissy Interchange of the proposed N18 and the proposed N6 which is currently under construction to the west of Athenry and ties back in with the existing N17 immediately west of Tuam where it will tie in with the Proposed Tuam Bypass.
The proposed road improvements may be viewed nationally in the context of the National Development Plan (2000 - 2006 and 2007 - 2013), Transport 21, the National Roads Needs Study (1998) and the Galway County Development Plan (2003 – 2009).
The National Development Plan 2000 – 2006 set out the development strategy for National Primary Routes which included the N17 as part of the western Corridor from Sligo to Waterford through Limerick and onto Rosslare. The National Development Plan 2007-2013 sets out the economic and social investment priorities needed to realise the vision of a better quality of life for all.This better quality of life will be achieved by supporting the continued development of a dynamic and internationalised economy and society with a high commitment to international competitiveness, social justice and environmental sustainability.
Investment in economic infrastructure is a key element in the promotion of competitiveness and the generation of sustainable economic growth and employment. It also contributes to regional development and assists environmental sustainability.As part of the investment in economic infrastructure, a good transport infrastructure is crucial to the promotion of national competitiveness and sustainable development. It is critical that enterprises are able to efficiently move goods both internally, and to and from external markets. It is also vital that the workforce has access to reliable and efficient means of transport which is environmentally sustainable.
While it is recognized that it is not environmentally sustainable to promote road and car transport as the major long-term mode of passenger transport, the major investment in roads will improve traffic flows, reduce congestion and thus result in lower rates of traffic related emissions.
Transport 21, announced in November 2005, sets out a 10-year transport investment framework costing just over €34 billion from 2006 to 2015 and covering both public and private capital investment in national roads, public transport and regional airports. Transport 21 takes account of the major economic, social and demographic changes in Ireland over the past decade, the impact of these changes on transport demand, the strategic policies developed for areas relating to and impacting on transport, the National Spatial Strategy and the need to provide a modern transport network for the future. A core aspect of the approach is the enhancement of the connectivity at national, regional and local levels.The availability of an efficient, predictable and sustainable national transport network is a key
factor underpinning economic growth and competitiveness and in improving quality of life.
The “National Roads Needs Study” is a National Roads Authority publication from 1998 and is a prerequisite for the preparation of a long-term programme for the improvement of the Interurban National Road System. The NRNS justifies construction of a new alignment, rather than widening along the existing road network, due to the disruption which would be caused to traffic and the local community during the construction of an on-line upgrade.
The current Galway County Development Plan recognises the role that roads play in the economic development of the region. Due to the peripheral location of County Galway, it relies heavily on the public road network fortransportation. Improvements to the road network will help to relieve areas of congestion, improve safety levels for road users and contribute to improved economic performance of the County. The Development Plan highlights as an objective the completion ofthe scheme.
