Calleary welcomes Government commitment to N26 following set back

Ballina-based Minister of State Dara Calleary T.D. has welcomed the Department of Transport’s commitment to the Ballina-Bohola N26 Phase 2 project that was controversially refused planning by An Bord Pleanála last month.

Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey was in Ballina last week at the request of Minister Calleary.

“A very constructive meeting took place in the Town Council Chamber on Friday afternoon involving Minister Dempsey and representatives of the various stakeholders, including members and officials of Mayo County Council, Ballina Town Council, Ballina Chamber and the Ballina Trades Council.”

“The meeting provided us with the opportunity to clearly present a united front in relation to our desire to see the N26 project through to fruition and we left the Minister in no doubt as to our commitment to delivering this much-needed piece of infrastructure for North Mayo.”

“The message from Minister Dempsey is that the Government remains committed to the project.

Minister Dempsey explained that unfortunately the Government does not control An Bord Pleanála – that is an independent body who make independent decisions.

He was quite clear about the way forward. For Ballina there would be no point pursuing the project in it’s current guise and there would be no point spending millions of euro on a legal challenge that will take up to five years.

Minister Dempsey advised the Council to engage with the National Roads Authority, examine alternatives and resubmit designs for approval. That is the quickest way forward for the N26.

When the time comes for spending money on new designs or resubmitting plans Minister Dempsey has given his commitment that his door will be open”

“While we obviously remain disappointed that the original plans were refused, it is welcome news that the Department remain committed to delivering the project and I am determined that we will see it through.”