Ballina orbital route selection process to start this year

WORK on selecting possible routes for the new N26-N59 orbital road in Ballina will commence later this year.

While route options for the by-pass were looked at before, it will now be looked at again as a 'blank canvas' as options are assessed, with consultation, until a preferred route emerges, Mayo County Council's head of roads, Paul Dolan, told councillors at a roads committee meeting.

Councillor Seamus Weir was delighted to hear progress is being made, saying the project was badly needed in Ballina.

He reiterated the need for consultation with landowners to have them on board with the project, a point supported by his local colleague Councillor Annie May Reape.