Anticipated bypass in Leitrim moves forward, slowly but surely

Work continues behind the scenes to advance the long-awaited Carrick-on-Shannon bypass, despite how long the project has been under discussion.

At a recent meeting of the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District, Cllr Irene Guckian-Rabbitte sought an update on the status of the N4 bypass.

In response, the Roads Department confirmed that Leitrim County Council, working alongside the Roscommon National Roads Regional Office and their appointed consultants, is progressing through the Phase Three Design and Environmental Evaluation stage.

Ecological, topographical, and utility surveys, along with ground investigations, were carried out following a public consultation held in March last year.

The preliminary design has since been refined, and the environmental assessment is ongoing. Work is also underway to secure necessary approvals from various statutory bodies.

READ NEXT: Leitrim had second highest property price increase across the country - report

Preparatory steps have begun on land acquisition, statutory documentation, and the development of the preliminary business case. 

Once completed, the core project deliverables will be submitted for Government approval before being sent to An Bord Pleanála.

“Consultation with landowners directly impacted by the project, statutory consultees and other stakeholders is ongoing as the project progresses,” the response concluded.

No firm timeline has been confirmed for the project's completion, but it is expected to take several more years.

Cllr Maeve Reynolds welcomed the continued progress. “I think people would like to know there’s work ongoing,” she said.

While the bypass won't be delivered immediately, a pedestrian-focused trial may take place in the meantime following a motion brought forward by Cllr Cormac Flynn.

READ NEXT: Wailers join local trad session at Cryan's Teach Ceoil in Leitrim

Cllr Flynn asked that Leitrim County Council, in partnership with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, initiate a trial focused on pedestrian and traffic management on the N4 at Coffey’s.

“It is my assertion that if the pedestrian crossing was moved towards the turn for Cryan's Hotel/Flynn's Field, in conjunction with minor traffic control measures, traffic congestion along the N4 would be positively impacted,” his motion stated.

He emphasised that such measures shouldn’t be implemented “blindly,” and that’s why he proposed a trial first.

Director of Services for Housing, Mary Quinn, said the matter would be brought back to the roads team for consideration.