Fianna Fáil TD for Galway West, Éamon Ó Cuív, has confirmed that progress has been made on the upgrading of the N59 Galway to Clifden road.
Working in conjunction with his party colleague, Cllr. Gerry King, both representatives have been engaging with authorities to progress major upgrades on this vital national road in Connemara.
“In relation to the Oughterard to Bunakill section, we understand that the Method Statement that is required for this to proceed is at the draft stage and will be re-submitted to the NPWS for approval. We will continue to press that this matter be progressed as speedily as possible, as there is an urgent need for the upgrade of this section of road,” said Dep O Cuiv.
“The Bunakill to Maam Cross Section is making progress,” he added.
Tenders have been received by Galway County Council. The local authority and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII ) are processing the most economically advantageous tender.
It is anticipated that work will begin on this section of road in September. This upgrade will include realignment of the road, the bringing of the road up to a standard camber and alignment and a new travelling surface.
“This will be a major improvement on this section of road and will also assist with the progress of the Oughterard to Bunakill section, as issues of concern will be addressed and learned from this contract that will be useful in drawing up the Method Statement in relation to the Oughterard to Bunakill section.
“In relation to the Moycullen By-pass invitations for tender are due to be issued this quarter and therefore work should commence on this by-pass next year.
“Lastly, in relation to Maam Cross to Clifden section, positive talks with TII are ongoing and expected to be brought to a conclusion in the near future. We understand as planning resources are freed up from the Oughterard to Maam Cross sections of the road, that they would be focused on Maam Cross to Clifden, so that there will be a high-grade road along the route.
“This would leave sections of the road from Moycullen to Oughterard to be addressed, as well as the need to examine how traffic issues in Oughterard town will be addressed,” concluded Dep O Cuiv.
“We will continue to press that this road will be upgraded from end to end as envisaged and that when this is done, a similar process will progress on the Clifden to Leenane section”.
