Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s decision to suspend the Clifden to Maam Cross N59 upgrade is “short-sighted”, “unacceptable”, and must be immediately reversed.
This is the view of Fine Gael senator, Sean Kyne, who has raised the issue with the Tánaiste, Leo Varadkar, and asked the Government to demand TII change its decision to pull funding for necessary preparation and lodging of a planning application for the N59 to Clifden.
“At the earliest, it would be five to six years before major investment would be required for construction of this road,” said Sen Kyne, “but crucial funding is required for on-going planning and environmental surveys of this necessary upgrade”.
Construction work
Sen Kyne acknowledged that, to date, TII had put long term funding into the upgrade of the N59 to date and the Bunakill to Maam Cross section has been completed. Construction has also begun on the Moycullen Bypass, and work is progressing on the section from Bunakill to Oughterard to bring it to tender over the coming year.
“The investment has been money well spent and the road safer for all users with better visibility and overtaking opportunities,” he said, “I also welcome planning preparation for the Bunakill to Oughterard section, but this latest announcement is unacceptable.”
