Councillors back call for interim N17 upgrades as new road scheme faces long wait

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Cllr Edel McSharry has called for urgent interim safety improvements to the existing N17 between Tubbercurry and Curry, following unanimous support for her motion at this week’s July meeting of Sligo County Council.

The motion requests that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) identify and progress practical safety and maintenance works on the existing road while the new N17 scheme continues through the planning and statutory approval process. It also calls on the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, to provide funding for these interim improvements.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr McSharry said the people and businesses of south Sligo cannot wait until the end of the decade for a safer road.

“Everyone welcomes the progress being made on the new N17, but the reality is that this road will continue to carry significant volumes of traffic, including heavy goods vehicles, for a number of years. We have a responsibility to make the existing route as safe as possible in the meantime.”

The motion seeks practical engineering measures such as carriageway widening at constrained locations, pavement and edge strengthening, drainage improvements, resurfacing and enhanced road markings to improve safety for all road users.

While welcoming confirmation from Director of Services Jim Molloy that individual issues along the route will continue to be examined, Cllr McSharry expressed disappointment that no major interim improvement works are currently planned.

“I am encouraging Sligo County Council and TII to work together to identify the key pinch points along this route and develop a programme of targeted works that can be delivered as funding becomes available. There are sections of the road where it is difficult for two HGVs to pass safely, and these locations should be addressed as a priority.”

Cllr McSharry also highlighted the importance of the N17 as a strategic economic corridor supporting local communities and businesses.

“Major employers such as Vision Built in Tubbercurry rely on this route every day to transport modular building systems and construction products across Ireland and the UK. The N17 is essential to local manufacturing, farming, tourism and regional connectivity. Safe and reliable infrastructure is critical if businesses are to continue growing and creating employment in south Sligo.”

She concluded by reaffirming her commitment to securing investment for both the long-term N17 project and immediate safety improvements.

“The new N17 remains a priority, but until it is delivered we cannot simply wait. Targeted interim works would improve road safety, support local businesses and make a real difference for the thousands of people who use this road every day.”

Cllr McSharry’s motion received widespread support from her fellow Councillors with Cllr Barry Gallagher remarking, “These are third world issues we are dealing with,” adding “South Sligo is being left behind all the time.”

Cllr Gallagher referred to an incident on the road last week saying, “Bus Eireann lost a wing mirror when meeting an artic, and they are not cheap to replace.”

Addressing the meeting Director of Services Emer Concannon said, “Safety schemes are identified nationally are based on accident statistics. There is a relatively small pot of money nationally for safety schemes. We are in constant contact with TII regarding what we feel the needs are.”

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.