16/02/2009 -

First phase of Western Distributor Road to commence

The construction of the Western Distributor Road Phase 1 from the Ballydoogan Road to the Strandhill Road is about to commence. The scheme comprises the construction of approximately 550m of 10m wide single carriageway with cycle lanes and footpaths on both sides of the road, and the contract will be carried out by Gerald Love Contracts.

This scheme forms the first phase of a two phase project. Phase 2 is a 2km length of roadway continuing from the end of Phase 1 at Ballydoogan to the Caltragh Interchange, crossing the Oakfield Road and the Sligo-Dublin railway line in the Townland of Maugheraboy. The Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) for Phase 2 will be published shortly.

The purpose of the Western Distributor Road is to facilitate the development of a strategic Non-National urban link road on the Western side of Sligo City.  Detailed reasons for the provision of this road are outlined in the Sligo and Environs Development Plan 2004-2010 and include:

• To facilitate the development of zoned and un-zoned areas to the Southwest of Sligo City;
• To improve access to the existing IDA industrial/ business park at Finisklin;
• To improve / provide direct access to the proposed IDA business park at Oakfield;
• To reduce congestion and to improve access to existing residential zoned lands to the western side of Sligo City;
• Improve access to Strandhill Airport; and
• To provide alternative access to western areas without having to pass through the town centre.

The provision of the Western Distributor Road will also provide direct access to community sports and park facilities from the highly populated Caltragh area at the eastern end of the scheme and the Strandhill Road at the northern end of the scheme. This will increase the catchment area of users of the sports and park facilities along with providing safe access by foot and bicycle.

Western Distributor Route Site Layout Plans - 1,699 kbs
Western Distributor Route Site Layout Plans - 1,442 kbs