Ballinagh bypass project progressing

The N55 Ballinagh Traffic Relief Scheme project is currently commencing the second phase of ‘Option Selection.’

Sweco Ireland was appointed as technical advisor to Cavan County Council last year and is progressing the development of the Ballinagh bypass scheme.

The aim of the project is to “deliver a sustainable transport solution for problems identified” along the N55 through Ballinagh town and the surrounding areas.

The project has progressed through phase one, ‘concept and feasibility’ and is now commencing the second phase.

This will involve establishing constraints within the study area, which is where the project is currently at, identifying and investigating options and assessing the feasibility of each option before recommending the preferred route and preparing an options selection report.

Meanwhile this stage of the project will also see public engagement take place to “ensure identification of key issues or constraints” in relation to the location of the proposed scheme.

The study area for the project commences approximately 2.5km south of the junction between the N55 and R154 Crossdoney - Kilnaleck road in the townland of Garrymore and extends to north of Cashel Cross, 2.5km north of the same junction in the townland of Cashel.

“Stakeholders will be invited to submit any relevant information or highlight any key issues or constrains within the study area that they think should be addressed,” a Cavan County Council spokesperson stated, adding that “any issues raised” will be “considered” in preparing the documentation for the scheme.

Public consultation will form a key part of the process, and work is currently ongoing with engineering consultants to develop an engagement plan to ensure “meaningful participation.”

“While final details are still being confirmed, we anticipate that an initial letter drop to all properties within the study area will be among the first steps. This will provide residents with an overview of the scheme and explain how they can get involved in the consultation process.”

Full details of consultation including timings, formats, and how people can have their say will be published as “soon as plans are finalised.”

“We value the input of the community and look forward to working together as the scheme progresses,” the spokesperson stated.

In the early stages of the planning and design, consultants will be carrying out preliminary investigations to assess constraints in the area and to develop “potential route options.”

“Walkovers may be undertaken to gain a better understanding of the physical and environmental characteristics of the area and to ensure the development of feasible and sustainable route options,” the spokesperson stated.

“All work will be non-intrusive and conducted with respect for landowners and property,” they assured.

“Should any access be required to third party stakeholder lands, a representative of the project team will make contact with the stakeholder in advance to arrange any access requirements, provide further details and answer any questions they may have.”

Now in the very early stages of planning and design, the spokesperson said it is “premature to speculate” on when the project may be completed.

“The Council is committed to keeping stakeholders and the local community informed as the scheme progresses, and we will provide updates as the design advances and indicative timeframes become clearer.

“The timeline and progression of the project will continue to be contingent on securing the necessary statutory approvals and the availability of funding,” the spokesperson concluded.