'Huge stress' set to ease: Reaction as long-discussed Leitrim bypass moves forward

The Department of Transport confirmed last Wednesday that the long-anticipated Carrick-on-Shannon bypass has secured funding, with final plans now being completed to advance the project to construction.

According to the Department, the bypass remains on schedule for completion by 2030, news that will be met with cautious optimism in Carrick-on-Shannon, where years of delays have coincided with worsening congestion and daily bottlenecks throughout the town.

Finola Armstrong McGuire, President of Carrick Business Chamber, stressed the significance of what the bypass will mean for the local area. For business, she said, it will “improve the image of the Town Centre, making it more commuter friendly and making it more pedestrian friendly.”

“The appeal of an overnight stay, lunch break, or coffee break will be enhanced,” she added, noting that conferences and events hosted in the town will also become more attractive.

Beyond its economic benefits, Ms Armstrong McGuire believes the bypass will dramatically improve daily life for commuters and families navigating the town’s traffic.

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“Commuting now from one side, for example the Dublin Road or Leitrim Road, to work in Boyle, Sligo or in between has to factor in a possible delay of 20 to 30 minutes.

“Commuting from the Cortober side of Carrick to Longford and Mullingar and in between has the same possible delay,” she said, adding that these delays cause “huge stress.”

She said the unpredictability affects everyone travelling for work. “Those who live in Carrick and work outside have to factor in possible delays. Additionally this can cause stress and speed perhaps in making up time on the journey. With new bypass commuters approaching, the town will have a more positive experience.”

Public engagement with the project has been extensive, with residents’ associations, businesses, and local representatives all contributing feedback to planners, engineers, and designers during the consultation period. 

According to Ms Armstrong McGuire, there is strong support for change. “Chamber members believe Carrick is ideally situated to offer a better quality of life to all when traffic who always intended to get through Carrick as quickly as possible can do so safely, and perhaps choose to return for a family or social event at another time.

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“Employment within the hinterland of Carrick is high and access to jobs where employees need to be on site must be achievable without stress or speed on our roads.”

Another long-standing concern is the volume of heavy goods vehicles passing through the town, something she said is “no longer desirable.”

“Yet our suggested narrow bypass roads like Kiltoghert to Drumsna were never built for heavy loads and are dangerous,” she added.

“The new Bypass will be most welcome for the development of Carrick on Shannon and all it has to offer.”

Reacting to the Department’s 2030 timeline, Ms Armstrong McGuire said, “Carrick Business Chamber would love to have a vision for completion by 2030. We have no doubt it could be achieved,” but noted that previous projects in the region have exceeded their projected timelines, and she expects completion may slip into 2031.

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While several more years of waiting lie ahead, many in the town view the bypass as long overdue, a necessary and transformative project that promises long-term relief from the daily traffic challenges shaping life in Carrick-on-Shannon.