Monksland road works to continue over coming months
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Roadworks on the New Tuam Road in Monksland are set to continue over the coming months.
Gas Networks Ireland have been unable to confirm a precise schedule for the New Tuam Road roadworks, which are part of a project to connect a new power generation customer to the national gas network at Athlone power station located at Monksland Industrial Park. This involves the installation of a 2.5km transmission pipeline.
Gas Networks Ireland said in a statement that the overall works are set to be completed by the end of 2025, but were unable to give a precise date for the completion of the work on public roads.
In their statement, Gas Networks Ireland said: "We understand the importance of minimising disruption in a busy area. Roadworks along the Tuam Road are being completed in carefully managed phases, with traffic management in place in agreement with Roscommon County Council.
"We continue to engage with local residents and businesses through letter drops, door-to-door visits and on-site conversations and we are grateful to the community for their ongoing patience and cooperation."
Cllr John Keogh said: "As I understand matters, the contractor has encountered difficulties with the project. Roscommon County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland have raised issue in relation to the delays and have been putting pressure on the contractor to complete the works as quickly as possible."
When asked about the reason behind the delays, the Fianna Fáil councillor said the works required a "clean room environment", meaning the road couldn't be opened and closed a different times of the day.
"Unfortunately there will continue to be disruption on the New Tuam Road. As I mentioned the works relate to the development of critical infrastructure for the area."
Cllr Keogh added that he has also raised concerns in relation to the junction at Arrabawn, which he said "can be difficult to exit from".
"The junction is included in an Active Travel measure application for funding, with a view to having a traffic light controlled junction in the future."
For further updates on the Athlone Power Station works, Gas Networks has directed residents to www.gasnetworks.ie/monksland