Final designs for N19 improvement scheme published by Clare County Council
Active travel measures for walking and cycling and improved public transport to be put in place on approach to Shannon Airport
Clare County Council, in partnership with Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Department of Transport, has published the final design update for the N19 Shannon Airport Access Road Improvement Scheme.
The design update no. 1, published in March 2023, included a combination of active travel measures for walking and cycling, facilities to improve public transport, along with new and improved road infrastructure between Drumgeely roundabout and Knockbeagh Point roundabout on approach to Shannon International Airport.
Since the conclusion of design update no. 1, the design team has been further progressing the design and environmental evaluation of the preferred option. The design of the preferred option has now been finalised, following extensive stakeholder engagement and detailed consideration of environmental surveys, transport surveys and ground investigations.
The project will have a positive impact on the attractiveness and efficiency of public transport and will cater for an enhanced bus service. New and improved active travel infrastructure are a key component of this project and improved active travel links to Shannon Airport and the Shannon Free Zone will further encourage modal shift, the use of sustainable forms of transport and inter-modal connectivity.
The final design update, published Tuesday, July 16, is an important step forward in the project development process as the design team looks to finalise the environmental impact assessment report and submit the planning application to An Bord Pleanála in 2024, subject to all necessary approvals.
Mr. Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council welcomed the announcement, hailing the publication of the final design update for the N19 Shannon Airport Access Road Improvement Scheme as "a significant step as we look forward to delivering a reliable, sustainable, multi-modal transport solution that will enhance the connectivity of Shannon Airport, the Shannon Free Zone and the wider mid-west region".
"The project will unlock further economic growth potential by improving active travel and public transport connections along the N19, which ultimately will help facilitate and support the sustainable growth and development of Shannon Airport, the Shannon Free Zone, and Shannon town.
"The project will have a positive impact on the local community ensuring that road safety and the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and vulnerable road users has been a priority throughout the design development process. Clare County Council looks forward to working with Transport Infrastructure Ireland to advance this project through the statutory procedures and subsequent phases," Pat continued.
Final design update drawings are now available for viewing on the project website www.shannonaccess.ie, with hardcopy maps on display in Clare County Council’s head office in Ennis and in Shannon Municipal District Office.
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