Realignment of the N26 at Cloongullane

Summary

Roughan & O’Donovan provided civil and structural engineering design services for the realignment of the N26 at Cloongullane, Swinford in County Mayo.

The development aims to:

provide significant long-term safety benefits for all road users
reduce journey times
improve journey time reliability
improve access from east Mayo to the north of the county
promote sustainable industrial, economic and tourism development

Solution

The road development includes:

1.8km of Type 2 single carriageway road
an 83m clear span steel composite bridge over the River Moy SAC
two new culverts over tributaries of the River Moy
local road realignments
facilities for cyclists and pedestrians for sections of the existing N26 road and the proposed realigned road

ROD prepared the Environmental Report, the AA Screening and Natura Impact Statement (NIS) for the application to An Bord Pleanála (ABP). The scheme was approved in December 2018.

In April 2019, advanced works, including tree felling, fencing, archaeological excavations and testing and services diversions, got underway.

In October 2020, the main construction contract was awarded to BAM Civil Ltd, and construction works began in November 2020.

The scheme was officially opened in October 2022.

Challenge

Developing a solution that minimised impacts on the qualifying interests of the River Moy SAC represented a challenge. Early engagement with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Inland Fisheries Ireland helped identify the best solutions for the watercourse crossings. Ecological and environmental surveys and assessments were also undertaken.