McGarry expresses concern for the N16
Issued : Friday 30 March, 2007
Cllr. McGarry said the N16 Road is a very significant road which bridges the gap between Southern and Northern Ireland. The NRA has decided that the work necessary for the upgrading of the road will not be undertaken until 2016. The test used by the NRA to determine which roads are of priority for them to work on is to look at the amount of people who use the road on a regular basis. It is therefore up to us to present them with a convincing argument as to why the upgrading of this road must become a priority for them
He said "The first part of our argument should be to point out that the N16 is the main artery from Sligo into Northern Ireland. The Irish government have recently pledged half a billion euros to the Northern Ireland Assembly. It is a big investment designed to strengthen our links with the people of Northern Ireland. If cross border co-operation is to be nurtured we need proper roads and infrastructure between the capital of the North-West and Northern Ireland. This will allow for increased travel and greater interaction between North and South".
Mc Garry said "In addition we as a nation are always seeking to increase our marketability as a tourist destination. Since the cessation of violence in Northern Ireland there has been a marked increase in tourists coming to visit this beautiful corner of Ireland. In order for us to attract some of the tourists who choose Northern Ireland as a tourist destination to spend some time in Southern Ireland we need to make access routes to the South as navigational as possible. In addition an upgraded road will increase cross-border tourism".
Cllr. McGarry continued, when I began my term as Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council I emphasised that the upgrading of the N16 was a matter of priority for me. In conjunction with my colleagues on both Sligo and Leitrim County Council we have set up a sub-committee to meet and decide on what courses of action we will take in the pursuit of our joint aim. In Sligo we have chosen the route we wish the improved road to take. Leitrim County Council has yet to decide on their favoured route. Once they do we are in a strong position to go and speak with one strong voice to the NRA in conjunction with our colleagues on Cavan County Council. I know many of the Leitrim people use the N 16 daily to commute to work in Sligo. The ties between our two counties are incredibly strong. McGarry concluded "It is important that the people of Sligo, Leitrim and Cavan unite as one powerful voice on this issue. With strong leadership from myself and my council colleagues, I am sure that the improved road becomes a reality in the near future".
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