Galway Bay fm newsroom – Concerns over privacy, road safety and access were among the items discussed at the first day of an oral hearing on the N59 Clifden to Maam Cross upgrade scheme this evening.
The oral hearing got underway this afternoon at the Clifden Station House Hotel, and has just finished up for the evening.
The first day of the oral hearing has just drawn to a close here in Clifden, where it was overseen by inspector Michael Dillon on behalf of An Bord Pleanala.
The four day hearing is focussed on the objections and submissions received by the higher planning authority in relation to the CPO process for the N59 upgrade.
Around 50 people, including officials from ABP and Galway County Council attended this evening’s proceedings.
The proposed N59 works involve 29km of single carriageway in 2 sections, west and east of Derrylea.
It will also see the provision of almost 12km of cyclist and pedestrian facilities.
The Compulsory Purchase Order for the scheme was published last summer.
Some of the concerns raised at this evening’s hearing include access to businesses and homes along the route, road safety and privacy.
The possible negative impact of the construction period on tourism has also been highlighted.
However, Galway County Council told the hearing that it cannot direct the contractor to cease work during the peak season – but the local authority has committed to ensuring the N59 remains open to traffic at all times during construction.
It also says a dedicatd liason officer will be made available to landowners and residents during the works.
There’s also been some objection to the proposed compulsory purchase of homes and land along the route.
There was an indication given this evening that Galway County Council is considering using at least one acquired house as a shelter for people using the proposed new cycle route.
It’s understood at this stage that other homes acquired through CPO will be demolished.
The council also says that the contractors will face ‘stringent constraints’ with regard to ecology and the environment.
An Bord Pleanala had asked the council to provide further information on the environmental impact of the project – this was received by the planning authority this summer.
This week’s heading aims to allow ABP to gather information which will help it to make a final decision on the CPO for the scheme.
It’s understood that over 10 parties will make oral submissions to the board before the hearing concludes on Friday – three of these parties have expressed their concerns to the inspector this evening.
The hearing will resume at the Clifden Station House Hotel at 2pm tomorrow.