N14 - N15 to A5 Link
Last Updated 24/01/2012
Introduction
Being situated in the north west of Ireland the National Primary Roads form the main link between the County and rest of the Republic – the N15 to the southwest and the N14 to the southeast. The N14 provides a strategic link between north-western Donegal, Letterkenny, Lifford and Strabane and Northern Ireland/Dublin.
The proposed cross border project involves the redesign of the A5 Link (previously designed as part of the proposed N14 Letterkenny to Lifford/Strabane Scheme) as a result of a change in tie-in point in Northern Ireland with the introduction of the A5 Western Transport Corridor in Co. Tyrone. The N14/N15 to A5 Link Scheme will tie into a proposed junction on the following planned schemes in County Donegal (Republic of Ireland);
· N14 Letterkenny to Lifford/Strabane
· N15 Lifford to Stranorlar
The Link will also tie into a proposed junction on the following planned scheme in County Tyrone (Northern Ireland)
· A5 Western Transport Corridor
The Scheme includes a significant structure (approx. 287m in length) crossing the River Finn SAC and flood plain.
The Need for the Project
At Lifford, the existing N14 meets the N15 at a roundabout in the centre of the village. From here, a short link road connects Lifford and Strabane, crossing the River Foyle and border. On the Northern Ireland side, this link joins with the A5. Currently the single carriageway link carries all through traffic on the N14 and N15 and the interurban movements between Lifford and Strabane. As a result, traffic delays and congestion often occur, reducing strategic journey times.
Current Status
The design of this project has now been completed. The Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Statement and the Compulsory Purchase Order for the project were published at the end of July 2011 in the Republic of Ireland. The Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Statement and Draft Direction Order was also published in Northern Ireland at the same time.
The EIS non-technical summary is available at the link below.
10152NonTechSummary.pdf
The time for receipt of submissions has now expired. An Bord Pleanála are now considering the EIS in the context of submissions received.
In Northern Ireland the Department for Regional Development are also considering the submissions received and may hold a Public Inquiry if deemed necessary.
Next Steps
Approval of the EIS/ES from both the Department for Regional Development in Northern Ireland and An Bord Pleanála in the Republic of Ireland is necessary for this scheme to progress further therefore the Council are currently awaiting a decision from both bodies.
Further Information
Any enquiries should be forwarded to the National Roads Design Office at the Donegal Public Services Centre, Drumlonagher, Donegal Town or telephone (074) 9724500 for the attention of Brendan O’Donnell, Senior Executive Engineer or Aine McHugh, Executive Engineer or alternatively e-mail design@dnrdo.ie
N14N15toA5LinkDwg.pdf
