N61 Roscommon road "a danger zone" says Fianna Fáil election candidate

Dr Martin Daly, Fianna Fáil general election candidate in the Roscommon-Galway constituency, has described the N61 road from Athlone to Boyle as an urgent safety hazard which needs to be upgraded as soon as possible.

Dr Daly said that he and local Fianna Fáil councillor John Keogh had observed the high volumes of fast-moving traffic and the daily dangers faced by residents entering or exiting the N61 from either side of the roadway.

He said this dangerous stretch of road had become a focal point for safety concerns among locals and had dominated recent discussions with residents.

"The N61, which serves as a critical corridor from Athlone to Boyle, is simply not fit for purpose,” Dr Daly emphasised.

"It's inconceivable that the Minister for Transport has not acted on the request from Roscommon County Council's CEO, Shane Tiernan, to upgrade this essential road. The risk is palpable and immediate."

The N61 serves as a major connection route from Athlone through to Sligo, seeing a considerable volume of daily traffic.

However, according to Dr Daly, sections north of Roscommon are inadequate to safely support this traffic flow, raising both connectivity and safety issues for the county and its residents.

"Residents feel their concerns are being overlooked, and it's clear from conversations across the constituency that this is one of the most pressing local issues," he continued.

"The safety of residents, drivers, and pedestrians should be paramount. Every day that this road goes unimproved is a day residents live with unnecessary risk."

Dr Daly said he would be calling for immediate action from the next Government to prioritise upgrades to the N61, addressing both the road's safety issues and the broader connectivity needs of the region.