The discovery of a rare species of of bog cotton is threatening plans for a proposed outer bypass for Galway City and could set the already troubled project back by as much as 10 years.
Dúchas, the Heritage Council has applied to the Department of the Environment for a preservation order for two large plots of land along the proposed route to protect a species known as slender cotton grass. This is a type of bog cotton, recognisable by its channelled, triangular leaves and several spikelets on each stem. The affected areas are boglands north of Spiddal and at Tonabrocky, on the outskirts of the city.
This application to have these boglands designated as National Heritage Areas is the latest setback to the planned Galway outer city-by pass.
The development, which involves the construction of a fifth bridge over the River Corrib, has already been the subject of countless objections from affected residents, landowners and environmental groups who have objected to the proposed new bridge.
This latest move by Dúchas could put the 27 km road back by well over 10 years as a new route will have to be identified if the preservation application is granted. It could also add significantly to the overall cost.
Galway West TD Mr Noel Grealish, who discovered the proposed designations while in discussions with officials from the National Roads Authority, says it would be a catastrophe for the city if the designations were granted.
Land along the proposed route was due to go to the compulsory purchase order stage shortly. However, this could be stalled indefinitely because of Dúchas's application to Department of the Environment.
The National Roads Authority has lodge formal objections to Dúchas's proposed designations, saying there had been no prior indications that such designations would be sought when the final route was being selected.
NRA representatives also argue that the proposed designations form part of extensive areas of bog which would be almost impossible to avoid in building such a bypass for the city.
The NRA also says the alignment of the proposed route was made to minimise any impact it would have on the habitat of the slender cotton grass.
The outer bypass is a hugely important part of the roads infrastructure in Galway city, according to the NRA and there had been a broad consensus that the selected route would have the most minimal effect on land owners.