·         N61 Boyle to Athlone – Reclassification of N61 to National Primary Status Report

The Chief Executive referred to the ‘N61 Boyle to Athlone – Reclassification of the N61 to National Primary Statu’s report that was recently submitted to the Department of Transport.

He thanked the team in the NRRO led by Mr. Martin Curley, Senior Engineer for the compilation of the proposal. This is an evidence based report and there are fears of a downgrading of the N61 with priority being given to the N55 as a national access route to Sligo from Athlone which could result in a speed limit review along the current N61 route. The report has been discussed with the TII but it is ultimately a matter for the Minister and he requested that the elected members lobby the local Oireachtas members to bring pressure on Government to make a positive decision in relation to the proposal.

Members welcomed the report and its submission to the Department and discussed as follows:

·         Any downgrading of the status of the N61 would seriously adversely effect on the county’s economic fortunes.

·         The upgrade of the route would be an important connection to Ireland West International Airport in Knock.

·         Concerns were expressed over lands currently frozen for zoning following a decision not to proceed with the N61 bypass at Ballymurray.

·         A new N61 route is required, members agreed, rather than the adoption of a piecemeal redevelopment of the route.

·         The section of route from Roscommon town to Tulsk was in a particularly poor condition and planned works on the section of route between Clashaganny and Tulsk are currently delayed.

·         Up to 14,000 vehicles a day are currently using the N61 with the current road capacity unable to sustain such volumes of traffic.

·         Members cited safety issues along the route with an absence of footpaths, lighting and pedestrian crossing along much of the N61.

·         Minister Chambers should be contacted to discuss the proposal

·         The Roscommon Town LAP is under preparation and there is no information on the route for a possible by-pass of Roscommon town.

·         It was felt political pressure was essential to ensure the upgrading of the route.

Acting Director of Services Mr. Greg O’Donnell confirmed that if the status of the road is not upgraded, it would likely be the subject of a speed limit review i.e. 85km max speed limit. He welcomed the support of the members for the report. With regard to the Tulsk to Clashaganny section of the N61, the list of protected structures has to be finalised and this will take some time.

Mr. Martin Curley, Senior Engineer, NRRO said the reclassification of the N61 to national primary status would not solve all the issues affecting the route.  TII has limited funding to carry out works on a new N61 route. The process of upgrading the road is subject to the provisions of the 1993 Roads Act and a decision vested in the Minister for Transport. He added that any planned works on the route would be carried out within current design standards for the route and if the route is downgraded, resulting in a reduction of speed limits, works would be carried out in accordance with such a revision. He also confirmed that the N55 appears to be the preferred route rather than N61.

It was PROPOSED by Cllr. Ward

AndSECONDED by Cllr. Dineen that a motorway from Boyle to Athlone be constructed.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Naughten

SECONDED by Cllr. Ward

It was AGREED to submit the N61 Boyle to Athlone – Reclassification of the N61 to National Primary Status report to the Minister for Transport.