First step in potential Baylin road resolution set for early next year

The first stage of a "comprehensive intervention" by Westmeath County Council on the ongoing issue of the sunken Baylin road is pencilled-in for the first quarter of 2027, the most recent meeting of Athlone Moate Municipal District heard.

The details of the first step – which is predicted to cost more than €100,000 - were given to council members by District Engineer Willie Ryan following an enquiry on an update on the situation by local Fianna Fáil councillor Frankie Keena.

Mr Ryan said the initial intervention includes the undertaking of groundwater monitoring and installation wells during the first quarter of 2027 (subject to securing the necessary funding approvals).

Traffic lights and restrictions which are in operation at the site, adjacent to Carn Park at the L-1427 Baylin to Mount Temple Road, remain in place since 2024 following the collapse of sinkhole, that had previously occurred on part of the road in 2016.

Earlier this year, councillors were told by Athlone Moate Municipal District management that there would be "no easy fix" to resolve the issue.

Speaking to council members last week, Mr Ryan said: “The District continues to actively pursue funding opportunities to address the road collapse at Baylin., and the estimated cost of the required works is greater than €100,000. This includes the installation of groundwater wells, drainage improvements and full road reinstatement.”

He said the road needs "a comprehensive intervention" to minimise the likelihood of a recurrence of the failure and to provide "a long-term solution".

He confirmed that council staff has met with representatives of the Office of Public Works (OPW) and is "currently exploring potential funding through an appropriate OPW flood mitigation programme".

In parallel, added Mr Ryan, an application is being prepared under a climate adaptation and resilience funding stream for 2027.

“The potential use of development levy funding arising from commercial development in the area is also being examined,” he stated.

Subject to the necessary funding approvals, he added, it is proposed to undertake groundwater monitoring and installation wells during the first quarter of 2027.

“The performance of the wells and the resulting groundwater data will further inform and refine the remediation strategy,” said Mr Ryan.

“Road repair and reinstatement works would then be programmed for quarters two and three of 2027,” he said.

Mr Ryan said that council members would be kept informed as funding applications progress and a preferred delivery programme is confirmed.

Mr Ryan said the council has "exercised patience" in relation to the Baylin road, and that he remained wary of "throwing good money after bad" in a bid to alleviate its problems. He remained "relatively positive", the council would secure the necessary funding to implement 'a permanent solution' for the road.

Cllr Keena described the ongoing issues as "very dangerous", pointing out that further issues could emerge for road-users as the winter months progress. Cllr John Dolan also said the ongoing use of traffic lights on the road continues to cost the council money, and urged a final resolution to the road's problems as soon as possible.