Ennistymon inner relief road construction expected to begin in 2027 - Clare Echo

CONSTRUCTION of the Ennistymon inner relief road is expected to begin in the second half of 2027, with advance works including the demolition of three properties scheduled to start later this year.

The update was given at the September meeting of the West Clare Municipal District following a motion from Cllr Bill Slattery (FG), who requested a progress report on the inner relief road at Blake’s Corner in Ennistymon.

In a written response, Senior Engineer with Capital Infrastructure Delivery Morgan Lahiffe said the High Court dismissed an application for leave to bring a judicial review challenge against the project’s Compulsory Purchase Order in late 2025, allowing the scheme to proceed.

Clare County Council subsequently began preparations for the next stage, including detailed design, land acquisition and planning for construction.

Mr Lahiffe said engineering consultants Roughan & Donovan, in consultation with the council, the Mid West National Roads Design Office and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, had commenced the detailed design phase.

The procurement process for the main works has also begun through a Suitability Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ).

An advance works contract, which includes the demolition of three properties, has been tendered, with work scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Subject to completion of the detailed design and all necessary approvals, the main construction contract is expected to commence in the third or fourth quarter of 2027 and take approximately 18 months to complete.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Slattery said the projected cost of the scheme had risen to €30 million, describing the figure as “ridiculous”.

However, he said he was not complaining about the cost, provided the project was delivered.

Cllr Shane Talty (FF), who seconded the motion, welcomed the progress on the scheme.

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