New link road mooted to connect north and south Leitrim

The possibility of linking the north and south routes outside of Drumshanbo will be investigated by Leitrim County Council over the next few years.

Cllr Brendan Barry has asked the local authority to look at providing a new link road connecting the R208 Ballinamore Road to the R207 Dowra Road.
He said that Drumshanbo has very narrow streets which have to take HGV traffic daily; a link road outside the town would free up the centre of the town. He was supported by councillors Enda McGloin and Gerry Dolan.
Senior Council Planner Bernard Greene said this idea could conflict with the objective to develop the old narrow-gauge line from Arigna to Ballinamore as part of a greenway.

He stated, “It is not clear whether the two proposed objectives are compatible with each other. Should the former alignment be successful in being developed for a greenway, an alternative alignment would be required for the roadway.
He did say that the Council would endeavour to identify and reserve lands that are free from development and alignment which could provide a new link road connecting the R208 Ballinamore Road to the R207 Dowra Road after a successful feasibility study.
He also said any future plans would be subject to a funding source being identified.
Cllr Guckian and Cllr O'Rourke also agreed with the amendment and said some junctions are tight in Drumshanbo and HGVs don't sit well with the “great strides” made in developing the town for tourism.

Cllr Brendan Barry also requested that the Council note that the former petrol station site at Church Street could be redeveloped or reinstated as a petrol station and shop.
He was supported by Cllr Enda McGloin who said the site needed to be cleaned up as it was affecting Drumshanbo's Tidy Towns efforts.

Carrick Carnival has announced it will return this Summer