Deputy John Connolly has welcomed progress on the urgent need to progress road improvements on the N59.
The N59 scheme between Bunakill and Claremount is part of a larger project to upgrade the Maam Cross to Oughterard section of the N59. The Bunakill section includes road realignment, drainage, soft ground excavation, demolition works, road marks and signage, and other works.
Work was scheduled to start in 2020, but in 2022, Galway County Council submitted amendments to the National Parks and Wildlife Service’s heritage section for approval in relation to method statements for the upgrade of the road, involving a topographical survey and ground and archaeological investigations.
“After considerable time, thankfully, there appears to be some agreement between the State authorities on how these much-needed works can progress. Part of this section of road was enhanced in recent years, but the remaining part of the road between Bunakill and Claremount, Oughterard requires substantial enhancement. Anyone travelling this road will see the necessity to bring the entire length to the enhanced standard.”
Dep Connolly raised the issue in the Dáil this month with the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, who, in turn, raised it with Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
In a written reply to Dep Connolly, TII informed him that Galway County Council submitted a section 146(b ) application to the Coimisiún in late October, requesting a change to planning conditions “in order to resolve the approvals process issue, which has caused delays in the delivery of the Scheme”. The council’s submission is supported by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Inland Fisheries Ireland
Permission from An Coimisiún Pleanála is required for works to proceed, and Dep Connolly, the Fianna Fáil TD for Galway West, is urging the body to issue a decision as soon as possible so the process is not delayed further.
