Contracts signed to commence €31.5m west Mayo road project

A TYRONE-based engineering company has been awarded the contract to construct the €31.5 million N59 Newport to Derradda road project in west Mayo.

Mayo County Council has awarded a contract to Fox Building & Engineering Ltd for the construction of the N59 Derradda to Newport Road Project to the north of Newport town. The construction of the €31.5 million project is expected to commence in March 2025 with a 32-month construction period.

The project was suspended last summer after Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) requested the Mayo regional design office suspend the tendering process due to a 'funding issue'.

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There were fears last year that the project would not go ahead but it was retendered and the contract was awarded to the Omagh-based company.

This strategically important N59 road scheme is 5.1 km in length and comprises both on-line road widening and off-line road construction, with funding being provided by Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

Enhancements to sections of the existing Great Western Greenway have been incorporated in this scheme with the construction of approximately 1km of off-road cycleway/walkway as well as a signature Greenway bridge structure over the N59 carriageway realignment (Kiltarnaght Greenway Overbridge).

Cathaoirleach of the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District, Cllr Seán Carey welcomed the contract signing saying:

“This is a great day for the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District. This isn’t just about roads and tarmac; it is about improving the fabric of our community.

“This project will have a dramatic benefit to not just commuters, but for our residents, farmers, businesspeople and for our tourism industry across the entire municipal district.

“This scheme will breathe new life into our towns and villages and connect us all together more effectively and strengthen our sense of community,” he said.

Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, Kevin Kelly added: “The N59 is a vital artery for Mayo and this upgrade will deliver safer and more efficient journeys for all road users.

“This new scheme will not only address long term safety concerns and improve traffic flow, but it will also lay the groundwork for sustainable economic growth and improved quality of life for the region.

“I look forward to seeing the positive impact that this development will have on the county for generations to come.”

Once completed, the N59 Derradda to Newport Road Project is expected to have several key benefits, including improving the reliability and climate resilience of the N59 road with new pavement construction, construction and configuration of culvert crossings, improvement of road drainage and other landscaping, environmental and mitigation works.