Further upgrade of N59 confirmed

FINE Gael senator for Mayo, Michelle Mulherin, has confirmed that the go-ahead has been given to Mayo County Council by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for upgrade works and pavement overlay of the final section of the N59 between Ballina and Crossmolina.

Welcoming the news, Senator Mulherin said the works will improve the section between Crossmolina and Ardagh crossroads, completing the stretch between Ballina and Crossmolina.

“This is the busiest section of the N59 in Mayo as it serves a large population in the two towns and their hinterlands, and it is a vital economic and social artery that provides connectivity to the Erris region,” said the Ballina-based senator. “It also saw considerable volumes of heavy traffic after having been designated as the haulage route for the Corrib Gas terminal construction project.”

She said she fought hard for a number of years to secure funding for this section of road, which, despite considerable traffic volume, was very substandard and hadn’t seen proper investment in nearly 15 years.

“Approximately €3 million has been spent on the road over the past three years and this has resulted in a considerable improvement to road safety. So far, improvements include a new footpath and street lighting on a section just after the Gurteens roundabout in Ballina, surface overlay from Ballina to Ardagh, and improvements to signage and to road markings.

“The allocation by TII of €1.14 million means that Mayo County Council can now give the green light to the successful contractor to start work and it will commence in the next week or so. I am pleased that a local business, Mullafarry Quarry, has been awarded the contract and this will help the local economy and create jobs in our area.

“I have campaigned for many years for improvements to this section of the N59 and I am delighted that the work will be completed soon. I will continue to campaign to ensure that other road improvements in Mayo, including the N26 to Ballina and the new bridge at Cloongullaun, remain a priority.”