Road Transportation and Safety

In 2013 the council will seek to continue to advance major strategic projects in its rolling capital programme in the provision of major works on the N4 N15, N17 and N59.  Work will also continue on the development of strategic non-national roads including the Western Distributor Road Phase II and the Eastern Garvoge Bridge and approach roads.  Overall, over €17.1m will be expended on all roads in the County under the 2013 Road Works Scheme.

N4 Realignment Collooney to Castlebaldwin

Funding of €300,000 was allocated by the National Roads Authority for 2013 to continue design Work on this scheme.  Currently work is progressing through Phase 4 of the Project Management Guidelines 2010. In May 2012 the NRA requested a further design review on this scheme with the intention of reverting back to the original scheme, a Type 2 Dual Carriageway.  The design Review was completed in Oct 2012 and it is intended to bring forward the scheme as a Dual Carriageway with roundabouts at Castlebaldwin and at Doorly with a grade separated Junction servicing the town of Ballymote. Statutory documents are programmed to be sent to the NRA for approval to publish in the first Quarter 2013.

N4/N15 Hughes Bridge widening Scheme

Funding of €160,000 was allocated by the National Roads Authority in 2013 to continue planning and design work on widening of Hughes Bridge.  The scheme is currently being brought through the Part VIII planning process.  It is intended to complete the detailed design and preparation documents this year with construction commencing in 2014/2015 subject to funding from the NRA.

N17 Tobercurry Bypass – Collooney

The N17 Collooney – Tobercurry Road scheme is currently progressing through Phase 4 of the Project Management Guidelines 2010. In 2013 funding of €200,000 was allocated from the NRA to progress this scheme.  Work includes the preparation of the Preliminary Design Report (PDR), the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) and Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) Drawings.  Publication of CPO and EIS will be subject to approval and funding from the NRA.  Due to the current Economic climate it is expected that design work on this scheme will be reviewed by the NRA towards the end of the year.

N4 Ardloy Bend Realignment

Construction of this scheme commenced in 2012 with an allocation of €1.2m having been received from the National Roads Authority and another €640,000 has been allocated in 2013 to complete this Improvement Scheme.

N59 Farranyharpy to Ballygreighan Realignment

Construction of this scheme commenced in 2012 with an allocation of €5m having been received from the National Roads Authority and a further €4.8m allocated in 2013.

In addition €700,000 was received in 2012 from the NRA to upgrade the N59 from Dromore West to Carrigeens.

Strategic Non-National Routes

Eastern Garavogue Bridge Scheme

The planning phase for the Eastern Garvogue Bridge and Approach Roads Scheme was completed in 2009 with the approval by An Bord Pleanala of the Environmental Impact Statement and Compulsory Purchase Order for the scheme. The next stage of this scheme is continuation of land acquisition procedures and the commencement of detailed design. This project is considered essential for the regeneration of eastern parts of Sligo city and for the ongoing development of the region. Funding of €200,000 has been received in 2013 to advance this scheme.

Western Distributor Road Phase II

Early in 2012, Atkins Consulting Engineers were engaged to carry out the detailed design of Phase 2. All remaining archaeological testing was completed in 2012. The detailed design will be completed in early 2013, including the Railway overbridge and all associated agreements with C.I.E.SligoCounty Council have received funding of €200,000 in 2013 to continue with the construction of the scheme.

PIERS/HARBOURS AND COASTAL PROTECTION

Piers/Harbours

The Council has a Capital investment Programme heavily dependent on funding from government.

The next large project in SligoHarbour is the instigation of a major dredging programme for the port. The capital dredging scheme value is estimated at €5.2m. The Council will progress this Project through the statutory processes.

The floating pontoon constructed a few years ago is proving successful and is operating at capacity during 2012.

Enniscrone pier repairs costing €65,000 were carried out in 2012 with the aid of a grant from DAFF.

Improved berthing and access facilities at Rosses Point Pier are being investigated and EnniscroneHarbour development feasibility study is also planned.

Coastal Protection

In November 2012 Sligo County Council received written confirmation from the OPW of the offer of funding of €290,000 for the advancement and construction of the Strandhill Coastal Erosion Scheme. Progression of the Scheme will be governed by the awaited An Bord Pleanala decision.

Bridges

The ongoing non-national road bridge repair/restoration programme to the ageing bridge stock will continue in 2013 and funding of €195,000 has been received from DOT/NRA.