Progress on dangerous Roscommon junctions welcomed
Five priority locations, which combine a cluster of junctions, are St. Brigid’s, St. John’s Church, Kiltoom junction, Ballybay National School and Ballymurray have been identified on the N61. Pic. Gerard O'Loughlin
Progress is being made on addressing dangerous junctions at St Brigid’s GAA Club, Kiltoom, and St John’s Church, Lecarrow.
At a recent meeting of the Athlone Municipal District, the issue of the junctions was again on the agenda.
MD co-ordinator Susan Loughnane said that both projects are currently at options development stage and a number of options have been identified for the junctions.
She said that consultants had been appointed and that a statutory process would have to be followed, which would take place between quarter 1 and quarter 3, 2026. The design stage of the development is listed to last between quarter 2, 2025 and quarter 4, 2026.
Cllr Laurence Fallon thanked Ms Loughnane for the update. He said that he believed that it had been agreed that the project for St John’s Church would extend to Nolan’s Junction, and he hoped that this would be included in the final plans. He also asked for an indication of when the preferred option would be identified for the St Brigid’s junction.
“There are planning permission applications that are being set back,” he said, adding that those people "will be anxious" for the project to be progressed.
Ms Loughnane said while she could not say when the preferred option would be identified, she hoped that it would be “fairly soon”.
Cllr Tony Ward said it was very important that there was no hold up on the project. He also highlighted ongoing issues at the Cornaseer junction on the Curraghboy Road, where he said 10-15 cars could be “backed up” in the morning to get onto the N61.
Cllr Emer Kelly welcomed the update and said people would be happy to see that works were commencing on some parts of the N61.
“It is going to take some time for us to address all the issues but progress is being made,” the independent councillor said.
MD Cathaoirleach John Keogh said it would be welcome news for the residents of the Newpark-Purts area.
“They are anxious that progress should be made,” he said. He added that this was a matter that had been discussed for a “long, long, long” time now.
