EirGrid 110kV project cable works to start in east Mayo town

WORK on a section of EirGrid's 110kV north Connaught cable project will get underway in Swinford next month.

The main contract running from Roscommon to Ballina is not due to start until next year.

However, advance works are taking place in Swinford, with ducting of a section just short of one kilometre, from the courthouse and out the Kilkelly Road, being completed as there are plans to overlay the route and this means it won't have to be dug up again.

Councillors, in an update at a Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District meeting, were told the Swinford works will commence on August 12, after the local festival.

A 100 metre section at Davitt Place is to be completed before schools reopen.

The remain 800m will follow over an eight- to 10-week period, with single lane closures to minimise disruption to traffic.

Councillor Adrian Forkan asked project representatives if the works will be finished before Christmas and was told it is an 8-10 week programme.

He welcomed the works, saying funding has been allocated for the Kilkelly Road overlay and there was no point doing that and then digging it up again.

The sooner this could be done, the better.

Senior engineer Conrad Harley said this was a very pragmatic approach and it was great to see the spirit of cooperation, which hopefully will continue with the rest of the project.