Funding allocated to remove 'notorious' N26 bends between Foxford and Swinford
A SUM of €700,000 has been allocated for design and land acquisition for a new bridge and section of road as part of the overall improvements to the N26 at Cloongullaun.
Senator Michelle Mulherin Motorists travelling on the N26 between Foxford and Swinford will be very familiar with the notorious bends and the narrow bridge across the River Moy.
She stated: “The funding is contingent on a positive decision from An Bord Pleanala and I am hopeful that very early in the New Year it can give a long-awaited positive decision for a new and much-needed bridge across the river at this location.
“I have campaigned for a new N26 since the original proposal faltered, having secured government funding every year since 2012 to bring it to this critical stage. It is necessary to get the issue of the bridge sorted as soon as possible so that work on the upgrade of the other sections of the road can commence.
“I am also pleased that €900,000 has been allocated for works on the N26 Foxford Road from Ballina to Rehins Fort and €483,000 for improvements between the Crossmolina Road junction and Ballina Railway Station. This is a busy stretch of road with a number of commercial premises, housing estates and the large Hollister facility alongside it and the improvements are very welcome.
“Additional funding has been allocated for works on a number of sections of the N59 in North Mayo, following on from improvements to this road between Ballina and Crossmolina and onto Bellacorrick in earlier years, which I had secured. €245,440 is earmarked for work at Bunree Bridge in Ballina, while €736,320 has been allocated for improvements in Crossmolina, €615,936 has been allocated for improvements at Lagduff and €500,000 has been allocated for improvements at Shragraddy
“In east Mayo, €4,784,152 is earmarked for improvements to the N83 around Ballyhaunis while €250,000 has been allocated for outstanding issues on the Charlestown bypass.
“These improvements are long-awaited and very welcome. Ongoing works over the last few years to the N26, N59 and to the N58 between Foxford and Straide, in addition to this latest funding round, will bring the surface condition of national roads around Ballina, north Mayo, and east Mayo into a very satisfactory state for road users.”