Progress on upgrade works on the Oughterard to Bunnakill section of the N59 took a step forward this week, as a construction contract on the Maam Cross to Bunnakill section is be awarded by the end of this month.
In addition, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has granted approval to the Galway County Council to go to tender for the installation of fencing along 10km of the proposed new route of the road between Bunnakill and Claremont. Under this permission granted by An Bord Pleanála, the NPWS, an agency of the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, must approve each step on this section due to environmental factors.
For the Maam Cross to Bunnakill section, the county council will award the contract for construction on this substantial re-alignment project before the end of this month. For the Bunnakill to Claremont section, the NPWS said is satisfied with the method statement - the detailed plan of action - regarding fencing which clears the way for the county council to put the preparatory works to tender.
The developments have been welcomed by Aire don Ghaeilge, don Ghaeltacht agus do na hOileáin, Seán Kyne. “The progress on both sections of this upgrade project between Oughterard and Maam Cross is very welcome," he said, "given the importance of this main Galway to Clifden road for locals and visitors alike."
"The NPWS was brought into the project due to the possible environmental impact of the project," said Minister Kyne, "which is vital to improve the safety of this busy road for all road-users.”
