Minister Naughton turns first sod on N59 Moycullen Bypass

Galway based Minister of State in the Department of Transport, Hildergarde Naughton T.D. has today turned the first sod on the long awaited N59 Moycullen Bypass, following the recent award of the main construction contract for the scheme to civil engineering contractors Wills Brothers Limited. The construction of the 4.3 km bypass is expected to take two years to complete and it is planned to have the road open to traffic in 2023.The sod turning event in Moycullen was attended by senior management from Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Galway County Council and Wills Brothers contractors, all of whom spoke at the event.

The N59 Moycullen Bypass provides for an eastern bypass of Moycullen village. The bypass will connect to the existing N59 at two new roundabout junctions either side of the village. The project involves the construction of 4.3km of new national secondary road, improvement to 3km of local roads, 1.7 km of accommodation roads and 10 structures.

Speaking from Moycullen this morning, Minister Naughton said “today marks an important day, not only for those involved in the planning and design in this critical piece of Galway’s strategic infrastructure, but for the very people that travel the route through Moycullen every day. Moycullen, a gateway to Connemara, facilitates our students commuting to Galway City to attend NUI Galway and GMIT, our family members travelling for hospital appointments, our tourists and our friends and family going to work or to the shops each week. The N59 Bypass carries somewhat of a different meaning for the local residents, businesses and community itself – for them this project means a less congested village centre and one which will enhance the already beautiful Moycullen as a place to live and work in.â€

Continuing, Minister Naughton said “The N59 Moycullen bypass is the biggest investment which will be made by the State for Galway roads in 2022 and I was very pleased to confirm funding for the project on behalf of my Department in recent months. I am very pleased to turn the sod here today and I very much look forward to seeing construction on this important scheme progress to completion.â€

Peter Walsh CEO Transport Infrastructure Ireland stated: This is another important project that will enhance the overall safety of the N59 and improve the quality of life for the visitors and residents of Moycullen. I look forward to the contractor Wills Brother Limited delivering its successful completion in 2023. The Department of Transport, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland are pleased to support Galway County Council through the National Roads Project Office in delivery of this improvement to the national road network.

Cathaoirleaach of Galway County Council Peter Keaveney stated :

The Moycullen Bypass will contribute to the economic growth of the Connemara Region by improving journey times and journey reliability between Galway City and County. The new bypass will also improve infrastructure for the very many tourists who travel and the use the N59 route to visit the Connemara area every year, a vital contributor to the local economy. Mr Keaveney said that the scheme will also significantly increase road safety though the village for vulnerable road users.