This article is from page 16 of the 2007-06-12 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
CONSTRUCTION work on_ the €204 million Gort Crusheen bypass moved a step closer yesterday with An Bord Pleanala confirming the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for the scheme.
The planning board also confirmed the Environment Impact Statement (EIS) for the project.
However, confirmation of the CPO does not include the provision of a second access road into Gort that
was being sought by local groups in the Gort area.
The lead agency in the scheme, Galway County Council, will now take the next steps to compulsorily acquire almost 500 acres of land contained in 103 farms along the 22km route.
Galway County Council has al- ready initiated the tendering process for the scheme.
The scheme will also involve the severance of 845 acres of farmland.
In its decision, An Bord Pleanala
stated that the construction of the route would be in accordance with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and would not result in significant adverse ef- fects on the environment.
The overall cost of the scheme is €209 million, with construction costs put at €156 million.
A spokesman for the National Roads Authority (NRA) said yes- terday that construction was due to commence by the middle of next year and the construction phase
would last between two and a half and three years.
On the need for a second access junction into Gort Road, the board inspector stated, “The current pro- posal provides for only one access to Gort at Ballinger’s corner on the north east of the town.
‘The submission by Gort Regional Alliance for Community and Envi- ronment related to the need for a sec- ond limited type access at the point at which the proposed route crosses the Gort-Tubber Road.
“It is considered that the capacity of the junction as proposed, taken with the intention to build a com- plete grade — separated junction at Ballinger’s Corner with a future ex- tension of the scheme – is adequate for the current and projected traffic NO) LUN aa Shee
Much of the road passes through a karst landscape. The route will pass within 300 metres and 3km of nine designated Special Areas of Conser- vation (SAC) or National Heritage Areas (NHAs).