Way cleared for N52 CPO start

There were no challenges lodged to Westmeath County Council's notice of intention to compulsorily purchase lands for upgrade works to the N52 between Turin and Billistown.

As a result, the council intends beginning the negotiations with the landowners, Cllr Frank McDermott was informed at the most recent meeting of the Mullingar Municipal District (MMD).

Cllr McDermott had asked whether the CPO (compulsory purchase orders) were in order, and he asked what was the next step in relation to the project.

The written reply to his query stated that the County Council had confirmed the CPO for Phase 2 of the realignment in July of this year.

“The closing date for a judicial review was September 29 and no judicial challenge has been received at this time,” Cllr McDermott was informed.

The latest action towards bringing the project to fruition has seen the Westmeath National Roads Office seek Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) funding approval in order to issue the Notice to Treat and commence the land purchase negotiations.

The MMD response to Cllr McDermott also stated that the Roads Office is also preparing to tender the construction contract.

 

Lights

At the same meeting, Cllr McDermott asked if the pedestrian crossing lights on the main street in Delvin could be upgraded to modern specification.

To this, the response was that the council's transportation department would consider asking TII for funding for safety improvement works there in 2019.