Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Project
The proposed project will create a new crossing of the Garvoge River on the eastern side of Sligo town which will link existing communities in the south-eastern area of the town to the north-eastern area, which currently generates demand to and from critical services such as schools (e.g. Carbury School, Sligo Grammar School), Sligo University Hospital, the Atlantic Technological University Sligo (ATU) and other employment centres.
The project comprises a new road link in a north south direction, approximately 2.1km in length. It ties in with the R286 Dromahair Road at its northern end, and with Doorly Park, Martin Savage Terrace and Cranmore Road at its southern end. There will also be a new 300m east-west link from the Ash Lane / Molloway Hill junction.
What are the Project Objectives
The project is critical to meeting the objectives of the National Development Plan 2018-2027, the National Spatial Strategy 2002-2020 and Project Ireland 2040: The National Planning Framework, where Sligo and its environs has been identified as a regional centre and new gateway city.
The project will create a new crossing of the Garvoge River on the eastern side of Sligo town which will link existing communities in the south-eastern area of the town to the north-eastern area, which currently generates demand to and from critical services such as schools (e.g. Carbury School, Sligo Grammar School), Sligo University Hospital, the Atlantic Technological University Sligo (ATU) and other employment centres.
Sustainable and active modes of transport will be significantly improved by providing new pedestrian and cyclist facilities, which will link into existing and improved pedestrian and cyclist routes along the bank of the Garvoge River, and by doing so improve access to nearby amenity areas such as Doorly Park, Lough Gill, Hazelwood, etc.
What are the benefits of the Project?
The scheme will deliver many benefits for local Sligo residents and the wider community, this includes some of the following:
- Reduced journey times for emergency response teams, walkers, cyclists and vehicles between the north and south sides of the Garvoge River, and particular the eastern quadrant of the town.
- Improved access to the many facilities on opposite sides of the river: six schools, ATU Sligo, Sligo University Hospital and A&E, Government Buildings, County Hall, Sligo’s Fire Station, Cleveragh Business and Retail Area, Doorly Park, Hazelwood, Sligo Regional Sports Centre and the Cleveragh Regional Park facilities.
- New promenade and community space.
- Improved vulnerable road user facilities.
- Professionally designed landscaping area.
- Improved public transport Infrastructure.
- Tie in with Active Travel projects planned for the town.
What type of cross section will the Eastern Garvoge Bridge Approach Roads be.
The cross section of the proposed link will typically include a 6m wide road (1no. 3m wide lane in each direction) and cycling and walking facilities on both sides. Where space does not permit segregated facilities, shared or mixed-use facilities will be provided.
Typical cross sections of each link road on the scheme can be accessed on the project website.
Who is funding for the project
The project is co-funded by the Department of Transport and the Urban Regeneration Development Fund.
Who is managing the project
Sligo County Council Road Design section is managing the project supported by RPS and Hewson Consulting Engineers.
What Stage is the project at
The project is currently at detailed design stage, which focuses on finalising the details of the scheme and enabling procurement. It is anticipated that the tender documents will be completed and issued in 2025 with construction and implementation to commence in 2026.