Overview of Sligo's Major Roads Programme

While the focus of attention is understandably on the new Inner Relief Road, the Sligo Local Authorities are also progressing the other critical elements of their National Roads Programme, subject, of course, to funding from the National Roads Authority.

N4 - Collooney - Castlebaldwin

The proposed scheme consists of 12km of 2 + 1 roadway through Greenfield site and 2.5km of 'retrofitting' on existing road.  The scheme extends from N4/N17 roundabout at Collooney to an area south of Castlebaldwin. 

The new road will feature roundabouts at Cloonamahon and Castlebaldwin and a grade separated junction at the Ballymote Road. 

N17 Collooney - Charlestown

The N17 Collooney to Charlestown Road Realignment consists of 25km of standard two lane road between Collooney and Charlestown in County Sligo.  The scheme extends from Annaghmore 10km southwest of Collooney to the village of Curry northwest of Charlestown.  The new road will bypass Ballinacarrow,  Tubbercurry and Curry and will tie in to a new scheme being planned by Mayo County Council north of Charlestown. 

The preferred route for the scheme was identified in early 2001 and the Route Selection report was approved by the NRA later that year.  A 10km section of the scheme from Rathscanlon to Achonry (including Tubbercurry bypass was progressed through Preliminary Design Stage in 2004 and the Compulsory Purchase Order documentation was prepared at this time.  The preliminary design for the scheme is being carried out by Sligo County Council in conjunction with the National Roads Design Office in Donegal.  It is anticipated that the Compulsory Purchase Order and Environmental Impact Statement for the scheme will be ready for publication in Autumn 2005.  The road type for this section of carriage is a 2 + 1 roadway. 

N15 Realignment

The proposed N15 realignment will extend from Hughes Bridge northwards o the County Boundary, encompassing major junctions at Drumcliffe, Grange and Cliffoney.  As there is likely to be a substantial level of development in Grange and Cliffoney, it is proposed that the road type will be reviewed at the Preliminary Design Stage. 

Sligo City

A feasibility study has been carried out on the Eastern Bridge crossing of the Garavogue, linking Doorly Park with the north side of the river. 

Proposals for a Western Distributor Road and a Western Bypass are identified in the Sligo & Environs Development plan, and these schemes will be progressed subject to funding from the National Roads Authority. 

Summary

The Cathaoirleach of the Strategic Policy Committee (SPC) for Infrastructure, Councillor John Sherlock, feels the development of our national road infrastructure is vital if County Sligo and the Northwest is to attract sustainable investment.  'I look forward to seeing the various elements of the programme progressed in conjunction with the National Roads Authority and the Department of the Environment.  In particular I would like to see the urgent construction of the N4 Collooney - Castlebaldwin road, as this will remove the remaining substandard section of the N4 in County Sligo.  Delivery of this scheme will also provide the opportunity to improve our road link to the town of Ballymote.'