Carrick-on-Shannon bypass underway, but could take up to 8 years to complete

Re-elected Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan has assured Carrick-on-Shannon residents that progress on the long-awaited bypass is "moving at pace." However, he warned that the project, aimed at easing severe traffic congestion, will take years to finish due to the lengthy processes involved.

Feighan acknowledged the urgency, stating, “The traffic is worrying. It's holding Carrick back, but the bypass is moving forward. It'll still take seven or eight years, but the route has been selected, and the work is underway.”

He emphasized the need for patience, explaining that large-scale projects follow strict timelines and stages, including public consultations. "There’s no shortcut,” he said. “The process must be followed, and people need to be consulted."

Feighan stressed that the bypass is essential for the town’s future, calling it a “game-changer.” Despite some opposition to the selected route, he noted that it’s “already in the works.”

For those eager to see the bypass finished sooner, Feighan made it clear that speeding up the timeline isn’t possible. “We can't rush it,” he warned. “The processes are set.”

In the meantime, Feighan pointed to the nearing completion N5 (Castlebar to Longford) as a temporary relief, expected to ease some traffic in about a year. But he admitted, “It’s just a Band-Aid solution. Without the bypass, we’ll still face major issues.”

Securing ongoing funding is a priority for Feighan. “I’m committed to keeping the funding on track,” he said, reassuring residents that progress is happening, even if the timeline is long.

Feighan remains optimistic, confident that Carrick-on-Shannon will thrive once the bypass is completed. "It's a big step forward, and I’ll see it through," he concluded.

Frank Feighan celebrates with supporters and friends after being re-elected in the 11th count with 12,241 votes, having picked up 1,177 from the elimination of Dr Edel McSharry. Photo Marie Conboy.