N59 Kentfield Road Safety Junction Improvement Scheme
Overview
The proposed scheme has been assessed under the AM-STY-06044 Road Safety Inspection and identified as a Type B Road Safety Inspection Scheme (RSIS). It was considered a site with road safety issues requiring further assessment to identify a treatable engineering solution.
Galway County Council aims to implement an engineering solution designed by the Engineering Department in the National Roads Project Office. The design incorporates TII design standards and technical guidance to ensure the scheme is fit for purpose and meets its objectives.
Proposed Development
- Construction of approximately 245m section of the N59 and 50m section of L-5381.
- Includes a new improved junction layout at L-5381/N59.
- Works include:
- Online realignment
- Drainage (including underground settlement and attenuation tank)
- Fencing, kerbs, footpath
- Signage
- Site development and landscaping
- Utility diversion
- Landowner accommodation works
- Other ancillary road works
- Located in the townlands of Kentfield and Gortacleva, County Galway.
Safety Scheme Objectives
- Address deficiencies in alignment, cross-section width, curvature, and visibility to improve consistency, accessibility, and safety.
- Provide a road section that meets contemporary design standards and needs.
- Improve safety and reduce collision risks by:
- Standardising private accesses
- Providing a forgiving roadside
- Installing appropriate safety systems
- Install passively safe boundary fences and walls, replacing like-for-like where boundaries are moved or set back.
- Enhance accessibility to the N59 for the local community while minimising disturbance to residential and agricultural holdings.
- Improve facilities for vulnerable road users (longer term).
Planning Approval
Galway County Council sought the approval of An Bord Pleanála under Section 177AE of the Planning and Development Act, 2000 (as amended) to carry out a Road Safety Junction Improvement Scheme plus associated works on the N59 & L-5381 in the townlands of Kentfield and Gortacleva, Co. Galway.
A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) was prepared as part of the application for approval in respect of the proposed development.
An Coimisiún Pleanála (formerly An Bord Pleanála) approved the proposed development on the 4th July 2025.
A copy of the plans and particulars of the proposed development, the Nature Impact Statement (NIS) along with the approval from An Coimisiún Pleanála are available to view on this page.
Compulsory Purchase Order
Galway County Council Compulsory Purchase Order No. 1/2024 (Physical Development) for N59 Kentfield Road Safety Junction Improvement Scheme.
Galway County Council (hereinafter referred to as “the local authority”) in exercise of the powers conferred upon them by Section 76 of the Housing Act, 1966, and the Third Schedule thereto, as extended by Section 10 of the Local Government (No. 2) Act, 1960 as substituted by Section 86 of the Housing Act, 1966 as amended by Section 6 and the Second Schedule to the Roads Act, 1993 and as amended by the Planning and Development Acts, 2000 (as amended) made an order entitled as above to An Bord Pleanála for confirmation.
No submissions were received by An Bord Pleanála who advised Galway County Council that in accordance with Section 216 of the Planning and Development Act 2000 (as amended), it was open to the local authority to confirm the order.
Galway County Council has confirmed the order (dated 27th August 2025) which authorises the local authority to acquire compulsorily the land and wayleave described in Part I, II & II of the Schedule hereto, for the purpose of the construction of the N59 Kentfield Road Safety Junction Improvement Scheme plus associated works on the N59 & L-5381 in the townlands of Kentfield & Gortacleva in County Galway. A copy of the CPO Confirmation Order, Schedule and Deposit Maps are available to view below.