2029 before work commences on Carrick bypass

With McDonalds now in Carrick-on-Shannon, "people are calling for the Carrick-on-Shannon bypass more than ever," said Cllr Enda Stenson who asked if there is a timescale in place for the commencement of the long awaited bypass. 

He said the bypass should be a "priority" and "it needs to be done above anything else." 

He continued: "It's most important for the development of the whole north-west region". He said that more matches could be held at Páirc Seán if the bypass was in place. "I do not for the life of me know why it's not done." 

He was told the project is currently at Phase 3 (Design and Environmental evaluation) which is expected to be concluded by the end of 2024. Phase 4 (Statutory Procedures) will then commence where a planning application will be formally submitted to An Bord Pleanála in early 2025. 

If the application is successful, it is estimated that it will take two years for detailed design, advance works and tender documents preparation of the main construction contract. It will then proceed to construction which may take a further two years. The above timeline is subject to annual funding approval.

Cllr Sean McGowan supported the motion and said the project "needs to be speeded up" with both Cllr Finola Armstrong-McGuire and Cllr Paddy Farrell also voicing their support. 

District engineer, Darragh O'Boyle said that detailed design on a project of this scale will take two years. 

"If everything is in line, you could be driving it in 2029. This timeline depends on the funding being available to bring it in through the gates to the next phase. The statutory process and An Bord Pleanála may delay things and it depends on how many objections there are. If all ducks are in a row, it's 2029."

Cllr Stenson joked: "How many of us will be around to see the opening of it so?"