Huge blow for South Roscommon as €80m N61 project is stalled

In what's been described a major setback for the future development of South Roscommon, plans for a new 14-kilometre stretch of the N61 between Athlone and Roscommon town have been taken off the table for the foreseeable future by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

The €80m development, formally known as the 'N61 Ballymurray to Knockcroghery' project had been going through pre-planning stages for the last five years.

In recent weeks, there was speculation that it could be deferred until after 2030 and, in an update on the project at the monthly meeting of Roscommon County Council yesterday (Monday), Director of Services Shane Tiernan confirmed the "disappointing" news.

He said the N61 project was considered a major scheme by TII, which last year said it would only proceed with major road projects that were specifically listed in the Government's National Development Plan.

Mr Tiernan explained that the revised National Development Plan, published last October, did not mention the South Roscommon project.

He said Roscommon County Council had made a formal request to TII, towards the end of last year, to proceed with the design and environmental evaluation stage of the project.

"TII responded by advising us that unfortunately, due to funding and the programmes that they have identified as a priority, that they're not in a position to give approval for this major scheme to proceed to design and environmental evaluation at this time," he said.

The council official went on to say that, on the basis of TII's listed priorities "it's not considered likely that any funding under the (major roads) programme will be allocated to the N61 project prior to 2026, and indeed most likely 2030."

The preferred route corridor for the project diverted from the current N61 before the railway gates at Ballymurray, before crossing the railway line and then the existing N61 between Finneran's pub and the Kilteevan turn off, just outside the village of Knockcroghery.

The route then proceeded south through Corbooley and then down to Nolan’s Cross, beyond Lecarrow village.

Mr Tiernan said he knew the news that the project was being deferred was disappointing for the councillors to hear, and he said it had also been disappointing for council officials.

"It's very bad news. There was plans in place, and a lot of money has been spent," said Cllr Tony Ward.

He said that safety issues on that road have been a problem for years and had not been addressed.

"A number of years ago I spoke about a brand new road from Athlone and I think that's what they should look at, a brand new road," he said.

Cllr John Naughten it was "very disappointing that we haven't got the support and investment required to continue the process and complete what was a very necessary upgrade of the N61 section."

He said there would be a need for "a complete upgrade of that road if it's the road that's going to be used for the foreseeable future," a point which was echoed by Cllr John Keogh.

"Getting the status of the N61 upgraded should be a major priority now. If this doesn't happen it could have major economic implications for our county going forward," said Cllr Keogh.

Cllr Donal Kilduff said it was "a horrendous decision" by the TII not to move forward with the project.

"Just because we're pursuing a low-carbon future, and a green future, it doesn't mean we should be ignoring the fact that we have unsafe carriages and unsafe roads out there.

"These roads are not going to become obsolete. Cars are still going to use them, though they might be electric cars rather than petrol or diesel cars," said Cllr Kilduff, who called for a letter to be sent to the TII urging it to reconsider its decision.

Cllr Emer Kelly added that safety issues on the N61 were coming up "time and time again," but that TII didn't seem to be willing to address them.

"Residents are contacting public representatives regularly, seeking solutions to the safety issues along this area, and it's frustrating for both them and us to be returning with the same news again and again," said Cllr Kelly.