Plans for Pigeons safety work could be ready later this year

Westmeath County Council is hoping to publicise plans for safety work on the N55 at The Pigeons later this year.

There are a number of sections on the national secondary road at The Pigeons which are viewed locally as accident blackspots.

The council plans for the project were outlined in response to a question from Cllr Tom Farrell at the recent Athlone Moate Municipal District meeting.

Cllr Farrell asked for an update on the progress of a proposed safety scheme on the N55.

He was told that the preliminary designs for a number of options are being prepared at present, following a meeting between the council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland engineers.

"It is hoped to meet with local residents and business owners in the next two months once these designs are completed," the council's written response stated.

"Following this, the elected members will be consulted and a Feasibility and Options report will be submitted to TII for their consideration," it said.

Part 8 planning, by which a local authority enters public consultation on its own proposals, will be required later in 2026, the council concluded.