The N59 Maam Cross to Oughterard Road Project comprises 15km realignment and upgrade of the existing N59 National Secondary Road between Maam Cross and Oughterard Co. Galway, to a Type 3 Single Carriageway and all ancillary works. The upgrade will comprise predominantly online widening with some offline sections. Approximately 10.6 km (70%) of the upgrade will be online with 4.4 km (30%) offline. The first phase comprising 5.3km from Maam Cross to Bunnakill was completed in 2021.
Introduction
The N59 is the longest national secondary road in the state. It is a significant strategic transport route linking Galway city through Connemara northwards to Westport, Ballina and culminating in Ballysadare in Co Sligo. Whilst not the preferred route between the gateway cities of Sligo and Galway and the hub of Ballina, which are served by more direct routes such as the N26, N17 and N84, it forms part of the Atlantic Sea-Road Corridor and provides important linkages to coastal areas and to areas that have high amenity and tourism value. The N59 is the only national route west of Galway city and provides the main transport artery linking an extensive and remote region with the national transport network. It provides connectivity to areas which suffer from higher levels of exclusion due to their peripherality. Access to these areas, whether by public or private transport, is by road only; there is no rail alternative. It is acknowledged by Galway County Council that the existing route is seriously substandard and is in fact below the minimum standard for a national secondary road.
The importance of the N59 as a transport corridor providing access to peripheral areas in Galway, Mayo and Sligo is recognised at national, regional and local policy level. It is regarded as a strategic economic corridor, the improvement and upgrade of which will play a role in the development of an improved network of roads, be a key component in maximising economic growth, and achieve regional accessibility and addressing regional imbalances. It is also recognised as a highly significant touring, scenic, recreational route providing access to the coastline and major tourist attractions in the area such as Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey.
Planning & Compulsory Purchase Order
N59 Maam Cross to Oughterard Road Project Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) 07.KA0027 and EIS approval 07HA0041 were confirmed by An Bord Pleanála in 2013.
The application to the Board was supported by the Project Engineer’s report of 27th September 2012 recommending that the CPO be made. The Senior Executive Planner’s report of 28th September 2012 confirmed that the acquisition of lands conforms with the proper planning and sustainable development objectives for the area.
The total area of land included in the CPO is 65.1 ha and includes 15.1 ha classified as public road. The published CPO schedule included the proposed acquisition of 312 plots from a total of 56 landowner groups. The 9 no. rights of way that will be extinguished will be temporary and will be re-instated following the completion of the proposed development.
A Natura Impact Statement was also submitted to facilitate the Appropriate Assessment of the road upgrade works on Natura 2000 sites in the vicinity of the site.
General Description of the Proposed Development
The main elements of the development include the following: -
• 15km of national secondary road upgrade;
• 0.55km of local road improvements/realignments;
• Improvement of 8 public road junction layouts;
• 2.0 km of farm/accommodation/access roads and accesses;
• 3 bridge structures comprising 2 no. new bridges over watercourses and upgrade/extension of 1 no. bridge over watercourse and 32 piped/ culverted watercourse crossings;
• 260m of retaining walls;
• Earthworks and pavements;
• 1.65 km of footway/cycle track;
• Fencing and safety fencing works, drainage works, landscaping works, environmental mitigation measures, utility and services diversion works, accommodation works and all ancillary works.