N4 Cloonamahon – Castlebaldwin “death stretch” must be prioritised

Fine Gael Sligo Leitrim Senator Michael Comiskey expressed disappointment in the Seanad today (Wednesday) at a decision by the National Road Authority (NRA) to delay upgrade works on the N4 Cloonamahon and Castlebaldwin, Sligo.

“The N4 is the longest national primary route in the country and while the majority of the N4 is in good repair, the stretch between Cloonamahon and Castlebaldwin continues to be left in a dangerous condition.   This is the second time works have been delayed on this stretch of road, following a previous decision taken by the NRA to delay upgrade works in order to study further the economic viability of the works.

“This is completely unacceptable.   The dangerous nature of the road has unfortunately been demonstrated time and time again by the number of tragic accidents occurring, leading the County Coroner to state that this was “possibly the most dangerous road in Ireland”.

“The safety of road users must be paramount irrespective of economic circumstances.

“An economic argument can only be used to support of the upgrade works.   The current condition of the road is a disincentive in attracting foreign direct investment into the area.   The Industrial Development Authority has similarly cited the disadvantage which the current condition of the stretch creates for them.

“I have raised this matter in the Seanad and with the relevant Departments on a number of occasions and will continue to do so until the safety of those travelling on this section of the road is greatly improved.”