Consultants procured to progress section of controversial N59 upgrade

Galway Bay fm newsroom – Consultants have been procured to progress a section of the N59 between Maam and Oughterard. The controverial road project which has been subject to two public hearings was raised in the Seanad this week by Galway Sinn Fein Seator Trevor O'Clochartaigh. Speaking on behalf of Minister Leo Varadkar, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport Michael Ring said the 10 kilometre section between Bunakill and Claremount is now being progressed to design stage. The original N59 upgrade had consisted of 44 kilometres along the existing road, however due to environmental issues, the scheme was divided into two in 2012. These consisted of Maam to Oughterard and Maam to Clifden. The Maam to Oughterard section was approved by An Bord Pleanála last December and had been subject to two public hearings. It's hoped plans for the Maam to Clifden section will be submitted to An Bord Pleanála in July. Speaking in the Seanad, Minister Ring said a section from Bunakill and Claremount will now be progressed.