Ground investigation works on the N59 Galway to Clifden road are due to begin by the start of October, with the work taking place between Bunakill and Maam Cross, after what one Galway TD called "painfully slow" progress.
Permission follows the Department of Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht approving method statements for the works to be carried out. These initial works have to be carried out before a detailed plan for the upgrade project can be drawn up.
Fianna Fáil Galway West TD Éamon Ó Cuív has welcomed the works, but said the overall progress has been "painfully slow in recent years as a result of difficulties between the department and Galway County Council". Dep Ó Cuív said he has been informed that the "outstanding issues have been" resolved following intensive discussions between the council and the department. He is now called for the project to be prioritised for 2018.
The Galway County Council has also confirmed that overlay works are programmed for the section west of Maam Cross for 2018 and that advance design works are underway for this section.
