Road of paramount importance to Leitrim is like a "patchwork blanket"

"I don't see a plan in there in relation to addressing the issues in relation to this," said Cllr Justin Warnock when referring to a response he received after he said at the latest council meeting that the R280 between Lennox's Bridge, Kinlough and Carrick-on-Shannon town is like a "patchwork blanket". 
Cllr Warnock, Cathaoirleach of Leitrim County Council, said sections of the road that runs the full length of the county are of a good standard and other sections are substandard and asked the Senior Roads Engineer how many kilometres of realignment works are necessary to make the road fit for purpose, and, could a 5 year programme of works be developed, and the necessary funding sought.

In his motion, he also stated, "The R280 is of paramount importance for the economic development of our county."

A report by the Economic Development section of the council said the classification of the road as a regional road limits the scope to secure significant central government capital funding to tackle any substandard sections of the route. 
Leitrim County Council successfully applies to the Department of Transport each year for Specific Improvement Grants along the R280 to improve specific substandard elements, however those are minor in nature in the context of the overall route.

Cllr Warnock said that he's spoken to people who've told him, "it's too challenging to go up through the heart of the county; well that says it all. So there's a lot of work to be done there to leave that road fit for purpose."

Cllr Padraig Fallon said the R280 "really is the national route in Leitrim" adding that it is invaluable to the whole county. 

Cllr Brendan Barry said that funding needs to be secured every year to do "the worst sections of it" adding that in his view, "it is the spine of the county; the main regional road going right from to Tullaghan". 

Cllr Felim Gurn agreed saying the road is the main artery in the county, while Cllr Mary Bohan also supported the motion as did Cllr Des Guckian.

Clr Sean McDermott gave the example of sections of the N16 having been realigned and "it doesn't cost near as much as a new road so it should happen."

The response continued that the Department of Transport recently appointed a consultant to develop a road model assessment tool for all regional roads in the county which will provide a baseline risk profile to highlight the sections of the R280 regional road that is most in need of geometric improvement.

The Department of Transport has informed Leitrim County Council they expect that the output from this modelling will be available towards the end of 2024. 
This information, when provided, will assist Leitrim County Council in seeking Strategic Improvement Grant funding for the R280 and ultimately develop an impactful programme of works for the R280.