Leitrim commuters raise concerns over deteriorating conditions on busy national road

Concerns have been raised by commuters travelling between North Leitrim and Sligo on the national road in both directions due to deteriorating road conditions.

The matter was raised by Cllr James Gilmartin at the January meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District.

Cllr Gilmartin proposed that the MD write to Sligo County Council seeking urgent remedial works to the N16, from the county boundary at Gortnagrelly to the beginning of the new road at Lugnagall.

He outlined that potholes are the primary issue along this stretch of road. “This section has deteriorated to an extremely poor condition, creating safety concerns and causing damage to vehicles.

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"Given the importance of this route, swift attention and necessary repairs are required as a matter of urgency,” Cllr Gilmartin stated in his motion.

Cllr Gilmartin noted that the road has reached a point where it has “deteriorated to an extreme for a national road,” adding that the affected section is on the Sligo side of the boundary. 

“If you come out the Sligo road from Manorhamilton and you go across the county boundary you can hear it in your car. It’s been brought to my attention from a good few constituents,” said Cllr Gilmartin.

In a response from the Roads Department, it was confirmed that following correspondence with Sligo County Council, the council advised that this section of the national road is scheduled for a new pavement scheme this year, subject to funding allocation approval from Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

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