Thread by @paulinegalway

What do the Climate Act, the Climate Action Plan and the National Development Plan have to do with the Galway City Ring Road? And who knew they would affect it?
1/10

Under the Climate Act 2021, An Bord Pleanála is obliged to take into consideration the most recent Climate Action Plan, as well as emissions overall, in so far as practicable 👇This was voted through by all Galway TDs and Senators 2/10

Is it practicable? Yes. An Bord Pleanála has projected emissions data for the road, so it can make that determination. 3/10

An Bord Pleanála made its decision to approve in Dec 2021 after the Climate Action Plan 2022 was in place and well after the Act was in place. And yet failed to take either into consideration. This was very clear immediately from page 3 of the order. It had 'regard' to 👇4/10

Now, they will have to take into consideration the Climate Action Plan 2023 👇5/10

Why is the Climate Action Plan 2023 significant? The plan is prepared using the Climate Act 2021 and has strong legal obligations 6/10

With emissions known to increase, car journeys known to increase, and legal obligations to reduce both known, if the Bord carries out its obligations the road will fail in a very significant way and cannot go through. They have admitted that they have to consider the Plan. 7/10

One more thing. Some politicians have claimed that the road is secured under the National Development Plan. This is incorrect 8/10

1. National Development Plan doesn't secure planning permission.

2. Funding is not secured. It says the road was 'proposed' under the previous plan, it is 'subject to further approvals' and project prioritisation will be 'in line with requirements of the Climate Action Plan' 9

So even if the planning passed, funding the road would also be examined under the Climate Action Plan. This plan is agreed and all politicians know of the plan since 2021. 10/10