Works on busy link route are welcomed by local action group

Works which have begun on the R290 road linking Collooney, Ballygawley and Ballintogher has been welcomed by a local action group.

The route has been described by locals as unfit for purpose due to the volumes of traffic and heavy vehicles using it as a main route.

Due to widespread concerns with the condition of the road surface, the number of turns on it and the issue of flooding a local campaign group was formed in 2015 to campaign for improvements.

The chairperson of the R290 Group, Oliver McLoughlin has welcomed new works being carried out this week.

“This is an issue which has united the whole community. Residents, schools, farmers and land owners have all supported the campaign which has yielded significant improvements over the past three years. The school at Kilross has benefited hugely from a new turning circle thanks to land being given up by a local landowner. Speed signs in Ballygawley have been extended and increased safety signage for pedestrians and concealed entrances have been erected.

“Thanks to local Councillor Thomas Healy, a sum of €30,000 has been allocated by Sligo County Council to address sections of the road affected by flooding with works expected to commence next week.

“This work is being carried out in close cooperation with landowners who are giving up a section of their lands adjoining the road in order to provide effective soak pits for the water to be drained into.

“We are delighted to see this work commence especially to see the close collaboration between all involved in it for the benefit of the wider community.

“This is a three year project for us and we intend to apply for further funding under the Low Cost Accident scheme to provide further safety works and to take out some of the dangerous bends and to reline the road. We would like to commend all involved with the group and to thank everyone for their cooperation in this project,” he said.