A preferred route for the N84 Ballinrobe bypass has been adopted in principle by the elected members of the Claremorris electoral area committee and will go before the full council for adoption in October.
The route called F1, which is a modified version of route F, has already met with approval by the National Roads Authority.
Alterations which led to the development of route F1 were made to avoid an ecologically sensitive site between The Neale Road and Kilmaine Road, Marian McHugh, SEE with the National Roads Design Office, told Wednesday’s meeting.
The route is an eastern bypass of the town, is 5.7km in length, will cost €44.1 million to construct and is a standard, single carriageway. It has been moved away from the nursing home and a nearby housing development on the Castlebar Road, following consultation with the public. It also reduces agricultural severance, Ms McHugh explained.
Councillor Michael Burke was concerned about adopting the route without first talking to affected landowners.
Cllr Damien Ryan said he wouldn’t like to delay the adoption of the route as it has been sought for so long.
Cllr Patsy O’Brien said it was imperative the council move as quickly as possible and sort out any reservations that may exist before the next council meeting. He said they couldn’t afford to wait any longer.
It was agreed to adopt the route in principle, subject to any issues being clarified.
