Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

These two schemes are distinct from each other, as one is a national road and the other is a local road. I will, therefore, update separately on each scheme.

The N4 is the national primary road between Dublin and Sligo and it connects to both the N5 to Westport and the N6 to Galway and Athlone, forming a strategic corridor to the north west. The proposed upgrade aims to address congestion issues in Carrick-on-Shannon and to improve a section of the N4 route between Drumharlow townland in County Roscommon, which is north of Carrick-on-Shannon, and Faulties townland, which is south of Aghamore in County Leitrim.

The scheme’s route option selection phase is nearing completion, with the preferred transport solution having been announced. This was displayed publicly in May and June last year. The preferred transport solution is available to view in detail at the scheme website. Following the completion of the route selection, the design and environmental evaluation phase will develop the project design further to allow for progression through the necessary statutory processes.

With regard to the eastern Garavogue bridge in Sligo my Department, together with the urban regeneration and development fund, has been providing grant funding for this scheme. The project will support urban regeneration in Sligo by improving community links, facilitating reduced journey times for walkers, cyclists and vehicles between the north and south sides of the River Garavogue on the eastern side of the city and improving access to facilities on opposite sides of the river.

The scheme was approved by An Bord Pleanála in 2009, but funding constraints as a result of the economic and financial crisis delayed detailed design and construction. The scheme is included in the national development plan and is now at the point where the detailed design needs to be completed and construction contract documents finalised. I am aware, however, that judicial review proceedings have been initiated regarding the scheme. I understand mediation may help us resolve some of those issues and I hope that will be successful in order that the project can be completed.

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