The long-awaited N59 Maam Cross to Oughterard road improvement project is to be progressed under the National Road Authority (NRA ) Minor Works Scheme for 2015, details of which were announced last evening.
The funding, which is being allocated by the National Roads Authority (NRA ), who have identified the roads where works are to be carried out, will allow for construction to begin next year and continue over a three year period.
The Galway schemes are th eN84 Luimnagh Realignment Scheme; N59 Maam Cross to Oughterard; N83 Forty Acres Realignment Scheme; N17 Carrownurlar to Ballandine (Part of Gort/Tuam Residual Networks ); N63 Abbeyknockmoy to Annagh Hill (Part of Gort/Tuam Residual Network )
The N59 announcement has been welcomed by Galway West TD Brian Walsh, who said the upgrade would incorporate road widening to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists on the route. The 15km stretch of road is part of the 44.2km N59 Clifden to Oughterard scheme, which will see significant improvements on the carriageway between the two towns.
“I welcome today’s announcement of the inclusion of the scheme in the NRA’s Minor Works Scheme for next year,” said Deputy Walsh. “This is a hazardous stretch of road and the proposed works will improve safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians in the area.
“It has become an increasingly busy route since the establishment of the Wild Atlantic Way, and we can expect to see more tourists travelling on this road in the coming years. This is an important project from that perspective. Safety on the route will be enhanced for locals, commuters and tourists alike. I look forward to the commencement of the works,” added the Fine Gael TD.
The Luimnagh and N59 schemes have been welcomed also by Fine Gael TD Deputy Sean Kyne.
“These sections of road are in need of widening and realignment and I am delighted that funding has been granted by the NRA through the Minister for Transport Pascal Donohoe. The N59 is a much used tourist route and this will improve safety for locals and tourists alike,” he said.
Minister Donohoe said this funding for minor works to be carried out will see improvements being made which will considerably enhance road safety and accessibility for all users. “A number of the projects identified will see improvements being made to enhance visibility which means safer roads for drivers and for the local communities who depend on them. There is no doubt that as our economy continues to pick-up, our roads are seeing greater volumes of traffic. It is important, however, that we continue to invest where it is needed so that we can reduce congestion and increase economic output. Ensuring the safety of our citizens in doing so is critical. The allocation of this funding will make a considerable difference to that end over the coming years.”
