Preliminary Design for the N55 Ballykeeran Bypass Road Improvement Scheme

Updated April 23 2026

Background to the Scheme

The N55 is a key National Secondary Route, providing a vital north to south linkage through the Midlands, connecting the towns of Athlone, Ballymahon, Edgeworthstown, Ballinagh and Cavan, and more locally the communities between Ballykeeran and Glassan. The proposed N55 Ballykeeran Bypass Scheme is situated northeast of Athlone in the townlands Ballykeeran, Ballaghkeeran Big, Caplahard and Waterstown. The Scheme aims to improve a 2.5km section of the N55 which is below current safety standards.

This Scheme was previously part of the N55 Athlone to Ballymahon until Phase 2 (Option Selection). Following discussions between Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and Westmeath County Council, a decision was taken to deliver the N55 Athlone to Ballymahon scheme over a series of phased minor schemes. The N55 Ballykeeran Bypass is the first minor scheme scheduled for delivery.

Need for the Scheme

The section of the N55 between Ballykeeran and the south of Glasson is below current safety standards, consisting of a narrow single carriageway with steep gradients, poor alignment, and no hard shoulders or continuous pedestrian/cycle facilities. These conditions create limited visibility, minimal overtaking opportunities, and safety issues between through‑traffic, agricultural vehicles, and vulnerable road users such as walkers and cyclists.

Traffic volumes reach over 10,000 vehicles per day, including a high (7%) proportion of HGVs, contributing to unreliable journey times and driver frustration. The route has a long history of traffic collisions and safety performance is a key concern. The route is also designated ‘Medium Risk’ under the EuroRAP, which is a nonprofit initiative that systematically measures how safe Europe’s roads are and highlights where infrastructure improvements can prevent deaths and serious injuries.

The existing N55 between Ballykeeran and the south of Glasson also lacks formal drainage and lies close to the Breensford River and Lough Ree Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA), which presents a risk to the environment.

Overall, the route no longer meets modern standards for safety, consistency, or sustainable transport. The proposed bypass will provide a safer, more efficient alignment and remove through‑traffic from Ballykeeran village.

Preliminary Design

Westmeath County Council has appointed AtkinsRéalis to progress Phase 3 (Design and Environmental Evaluation) and Phase 4 (Statutory Processes) of the N55 Ballykeeran Bypass Scheme in accordance with Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s Project Management Guidelines.

A refined study area has been established for Phase 3, and updated alignment designs, including environmental considerations around the Breensford River crossing, have informed the refinement of the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor.

Extensive technical, environmental, geotechnical, and transport assessments, including a detailed programme of surveys are ongoing to support the Preliminary Design of the Scheme, as well as the preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and other statutory documentation required as part of the planning process.

In addition, Westmeath County Council is engaging with all stakeholders including, landowners, local residents, community groups, and statutory bodies, to inform them of the proposals and to take into consideration any feedback that they provide.

A map of the Preliminary Design for the Preferred Route Corridor is provided below.

Policy Context

The proposed improvement of the N55 is strongly supported by national, regional, and local policy frameworks that prioritise safer, more sustainable, and better-connected transport infrastructure.

National Policy Context

At a national level, Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning framework (NPF), and the National Development Plan (2021 – 2030) prioritise enhanced regional accessibility and compact growth. Athlone is identified as a Regional Centre requiring improved connectivity, and the bypass supports NSO 2 and NSO 3 by enhancing the strategic N55 corridor. The scheme also aligns with National Roads 2040 and National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland (NIFTI), which emphasise safety, route consistency, rural connectivity, and decarbonisation. It supports commitments in the Road Safety Strategy and Climate Action Plan 2025 by reducing collisions, improving active travel conditions, and lowering emissions from congestion in Ballykeeran village.

Regional Policy Context

At a regional level, the Eastern and Midland Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) 2019 – 2031 identifies Athlone as a Regional Growth Centre and highlights the need for improved intra‑regional connectivity. Upgrading the N55 directly supports these objectives by improving journey time reliability and strengthening regional mobility.

Local Policy Context

At a local level, the Westmeath County Development Plan 2021 – 2027 includes multiple objectives to safeguard national roads and explicitly lists the realignment of the N55 as a priority improvement project. Diverting through‑traffic from Ballykeeran will also support future public realm and active travel enhancements between Ballykeeran, Glasson, and Tubberclair.

What happens next?

Westmeath County Council met with affected landowners in February 2026 to discuss the impact of the Scheme on their lands. In addition, a Public Information Event was held in Glasson Lakehouse Hotel in March 2026 to provide updated information on the Preliminary Design for the Scheme to the public and other key stakeholders.

We will continue to refine the Preliminary Design for the Scheme, taking into consideration the ongoing technical and environmental assessments that are being undertaken at this phase.

Following the completion of the Preliminary Design by Summer 2026, we will prepare the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR), Natura Impact Statement, Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), and other statutory planning documents.

Subject to approval from TII, the Scheme will progress to Phase 4 (Statutory Processes) in late 2026 / early 2027. This is the formal planning phase and involves submission of the planning application to An Coimisiún Pleanála and the statutory consultation process.

For Further Information

If you have any further queries or feedback regarding the Scheme, please do not hesitate to get in touch via phone or email below, to arrange an in-person meeting, telephone call or virtual meeting.

We welcome the opportunity to engage with you on the development of this Scheme and look forward to continuing to work with you as it progresses.

Enquiries to the Westmeath NRO:

Phone: 044 9334250

Email: info@wccprojectoffice.ie

Post: National Roads Office
Culleen Beg
Mullingar
Co. Westmeath
N91 T2PE