Monksland road works set to continue into September
Roadworks on the New Tuam Road (R362) in Monksland are set to continue into mid to late September.
The energy infrastructure works, which commenced in May, were due for completion in July.
Meanwhile, gas pipeline works currently taking place on the R446, from Kielty to Summerhill, are expected to be completed in mid to late October.
In a letter issued from the developer, Greener Ideas Ltd (GIL), to Roscommon County Council, it was confirmed that due to an issue with the installation of high voltage cables, to enable connection to the electricity grid, works have temporarily paused on the R362 and will recommence in September.
GIL is currently constructing a new gas powered peaker plant at Monksland Industrial Park, the development of which is required to ensure security of electricity supply to the national grid.
The primary fuel source for the Monksland peaker plant will be natural gas which will be supplied by Gas Network's Ireland pipeline running south of the development site. The pipeline to connect the plant to the existing gas pipeline is currently under construction.
Acknowledging the frustrations being experienced by motorists along the route Cllr John Keogh said that the latest development was "beyond the control of the developer".
The councillor made public the letter received by Roscommon County Council from the developer, with a detailed update on the cause of delays along both routes.
"The works being undertaken relate to critical energy infrastructure for the area and whilst I fully understand the frustration that people have been experiencing with traffic delays, it appears that the delays were unforeseen and unavoidable due to a failure of equipment.
"Overseas cable joining specialists have been scheduled for September. The works area on the R362 will be reopened in August but works will recommence in September to allow completion of the works.
"I understand that works commencing in September will cause further frustration to motorists, particularly with schools reopening, but unfortunately it would appear (this) is beyond the control of the developer," Cllr Keogh said.
The developer's letter apologised for the extended duration of roadworks on the R362 "which are connected with the electricity grid connection".
The letter also provided an update on gas pipeline works on the R446, which are expected to be completed in mid to late October.
"Gas Network's Ireland is installing a pipeline at Kielty on the R446 passing Coláiste Chiaráin Secondary School, Summerhill National School and Drum Community Centre.
"Works have progressed to Summerhill Business Park before being relocated to Drum Road during school term time. Works are due to be completed before schools reopen. Resources will then return to the R446 to complete the final sections of the pipeline," the letter stated.