Western Distributor Road Proceeds to Planning Stage
The proposed Western Distributor Road is considered a critical development in facilitating the continuing growth of Sligo as a ‘Gateway City.’ The improved access to the IDA Business and Technology Park in Finisklin and the proposed IDA park at Oakfield will ensure Sligo will be well placed at attract new investment and employment to Sligo.
New access
The 2.35km two lane road has been included in various Development Plans since the 1970’s. The road is required to provide access to residential, business and mixed-use zoned lands in the Western areas of Sligo city and environs. It will also service existing residential areas and will relieve traffic congestion in western parts of the city.
The Sligo Local Authorities are seeking the views of the general public on the proposed Western Distributor Road. The project has advanced to Planning stage, and the plans and route details are available for inspection at the offices of Sligo Borough Council and Sligo County Council up to 27th April.
IDA Link Road
The route will travel over a length of approximately 2.35km from the Caltragh Interchange on the Sligo Inner Relief Road to the Strandhill Road, near First Sea Road. The new alignment passes through the townlands of Caltragh, Magheraboy, Oakfield / Derrydarragh, and Ballydoogan in the Borough of Sligo and County of Sligo. Sligo Borough Council and Sligo County Council, as part of this development, also intend to realign the existing Oakfield Road to provide an ‘IDA Link Road’ from the Western Distributor Road to a proposed IDA Business Park at Oakfield/Derrydarragh.
The Western Distributor Route is outlined as an objective of the Sligo and Environs Development Plan 2004-2010. The realignment of Oakfield Road is Objective 3.5 of the Sligo and Environs Development Plan 2004- 2010.
The proposed development includes the following measures:
The provision of approximately 2.35km of single carriageway road including the provision of a verge, cycleway and foot way on both sides.
The provision of central hatching along the proposed road to allow for right turn lanes at future junctions and pedestrian crossing facilities.
The provision of a priority staggered junction on Western Distributor Route for Rusheen Lane in the townland of Magheraboy.
The provision of a road bridge on the Western Distributor Route crossing the existing Dublin-Sligo railway line in the townland of Magheraboy.