Update on upcoming Mayo road projects

The head of Mayo Co Council's Roads Design Office (RDO) gave an update at last week's Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District meeting on several major projects.

Paul Hyland told councillors of five ongoing road projects including the N84 Ballinrobe Transport Project (see page 13) and the N17 Knock to Collooney scheme (see page 6). He also gave an update on the N5 Swinford Safety Scheme, which involves the development of long-term safety interventions along the 5km Swinford bypass to include grade separation, road closures, the closure of certain house entrances and other works.

Mr Hyland said a consultant would be appointed this month and the intention is to progress the scheme in 2025.

He said the N26 Foxford to Mount Falcon project is currently at Phase 2 for options selection. Consultants were appointed earlier this year and a public consultation of constraints study commenced in the last week. A preferred route is expected to be selected in the second quarter of next year. The third phase, which involves design and environmental evaluation, will depend on funding available to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) next year.

Mr Hyland said the Foxford transport project is currently at its initial phase and the recommendation to appoint a consultant is with TII. Approval of this appointment will again depend on funding.

Mr Hyland said there are two greenway projects at an early stage, including the 53km Ballina-Castlebar-Westport interurban greenway and the 25km Charlestown-Swinford-Foxford Greenway. Progress is dependent on TII funding.