Carrick bypass at design and environmental evaluation stage

Plans for a by-pass of Carrick-on-Shannon are progressing with hopes high that the new road will be in place by 2030.

Members of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District were given an update on the progress being made on the town’s by-pass at a recent meeting.

A spokesperson for the council outlined that, “Leitrim County Council, in collaboration with the Roscommon National Roads Regional Office and their appointed consultants, are advancing the Phase 3 Design and Environmental Evaluation stage of the N4 Carrick-on-Shannon Bypass and Traffic Management Project.

“Following the public consultation event held in March 2024, additional surveys, including ecological, topographical, utility, and ground investigations, have been conducted. The preliminary design has been further developed, and the environmental assessment is currently ongoing.

“Work to secure the necessary approvals from various statutory bodies is also progressing. Preparatory work is underway on the land acquisition and statutory process documentation, and the development of the preliminary business case. Upon completion, the key project deliverables will be submitted for government approval before submission to An Bord Pleanála (An Coimisiún Pleanála). Consultation with landowners directly impacted by the project, statutory consultees and other stakeholders is ongoing as the project progresses.” The latest update was provided following a request by Independent councillor Irene Guckian Rabbitte.

Earlier at the MD meeting Sinn Fein’s Cllr Cormac Flynn called on Leitrim County Council, in conjunction with the TII, to implement a trial in relation to pedestrian and traffic management along the N4 at Coffey's in Carrick-on-Shannon. He said: “It is my assertion that if the pedestrian crossing was moved towards the turn for Cryan's Hotel/Flynn's Field, in conjunction with minor traffic control measures, traffic congestion along the N4 would be positively impacted."

He went on to say that traffic coming over the bridge from the Sligo side is immediately met with the pedestrian crossing causing long delays and added: “I would be reluctant to cross the bridge and I’m sure people in Roscommon are the same as it takes too long.” He believes the position of the pedestrian crossing is adding to traffic congestion and suggested it be moved further down the roadway at the turn for Cryan’s Hotel.

Fine Gael’s Cllr Maeve Reynolds also agreed saying the by-pass is coming but not for a long number of years and the build-up of traffic is deterring people from crossing the bridge.

The meeting heard further suggestions of moving the pedestrian crossing to Bridge Street where people can access the Shannon and quays via the steps beside the bridge.

Independent Cllr Enda Stenson stated: “We have been talking about this for the last 25 years. People cross the N4 everywhere. The answer is the by-pass and the sooner it is done the better.” Fianna Fail’s Cllr Sean McGowan said it could be six years before the by-pass is in place and said traffic is having an impact on the town. He also said a trial should be examined.

The council stated in its reply: “The majority of pedestrians crossing the N4 at this location, go from Bridge Street to the Quays and vice-versa. Thus, the existing crossing is located close to the desired line. Design standards will not allow crossing to be located closer to the roundabout at Coffeys, and thus it is as close to the desired line as possible. By moving it farther east pedestrians would cross the road at the desired line and not use the crossing at Cryan's junction thus introducing a hazard.

“The design of this current crossing was changed previously when traffic lights on it were removed, which greatly improved the situation. It should also be noted that as part of the Carrick-on-Shannon Bypass and Transportation scheme, additional active travel measures including additional crossing points are planned along this section of the N4."