Local TD says N26 road project is still on track

FOLLOWING recent speculation about the fate of the N26 road project, Ballina-based Deputy Michelle Mulherin has claimed the project is not only still very much alive but has the backing of government and An Taoiseach Enda Kenny.

Stated Deputy Mulherin: “There has been much innuendo bandied about regarding the fate of the N26. This is mere scaremongering.

“The last government, led by Fianna Fáil, shelved all plans to progress the N26 after the decision by An Bord Pleanála to refuse the Mount Falcon to Bohola route. Following the 2011 general election, I made the N26 a priority and put it to the top of the agenda.

“After several meetings with An Taoiseach and the then Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar, a strategic transport study to identify an alternative route was authorised in 2012 and €300,000 was allocated.

“Further funding of €500,000 was made in 2013 followed by €600,000 in 2014 and €825,000 in early 2015 to allow planning and environmental work to proceed, route alternatives to be examined and consulted upon, and ultimately a new route to be selected.”

Deputy Mulherin said she has succeeded in 'putting the N26 back on target' and has received assurance from An Taoiseach that the road is on course for funding under the roads capital investment programme.

“Further,” she added, “the new road plans identified for the N26/N58/N5 reflect a massive vision to provide proper road connectivity for Ballina and Foxford to the east with Dublin and Ireland West Airport Knock, and to the south with Castlebar and Westport and with Galway.”

Initial works will centre on replacing the sub-standard old bridge at Cloongullane with a new one, plus a new section of road either side to remove the bad bends.

Deputy Mulherin explained: “Consultants have been retained and at this stage have nearly completed ground investigation works. Next they will proceed with preliminary design work on the bridge after a public consultation, especially with landowners, which, all going to plan, will take place in November.”