Westmeath councillors agree to N55 road joint venture with neighbour

Westmeath and Longford County Councils are to join forces to deliver a major pavement repair and renewal scheme on the N55 National Secondary Route, a vital link connecting Athlone to Cavan Town.

The collaboration, formalised at the May meeting of the local authority under a Section 85 Agreement of the Local Government Act 2001, aims to streamline construction and minimise disruption for road users along the stretch from Creggy in County Westmeath to Rathmore in County Longford.

The chief executive of Westmeath County Council, Barry Kehoe, outlined to the elected members of the local authority the thinking behind the proposal at the monthly meeting.

He explained that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) identified the need for intervention on this section of the N55 through its Pavement Asset Management System.

Both councils have already completed detailed design work and secured TII approval for the project.

Mr Kehoe described it as a move to maximise efficiency, telling members that both local authorities agreed to TII’s recommendations to carry out the works under a single contract, with Westmeath County Council taking the lead as client and project supervisor for the design process.

Under the agreement, Westmeath County Council will manage the construction and act as the main point of contact, while Longford County Council will oversee technical supervision within its own area and liaise with local stakeholders.

Each council will apply separately for funding from TII, but Westmeath will invoice Longford for its share of the main construction costs as the project progresses.

The joint approach is expected to deliver improved road infrastructure, reduce inconvenience for motorists, and achieve better value for money.

The arrangement has received full support from both councils and TII, marking a significant step forward in regional cooperation for infrastructure development.