Phase 1 – Concept and Feasibility
This Phase established the need for the Project by identifying the issues affecting the existing transport network, developing project objectives and subsequent options to support these objectives. SYSTRA Ltd. prepared the Project Phase 1 deliverables in September 2025.
Phase 1 identified initial constraints and preliminary options within the study area. These options were assessed against the Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF) [link] aligned project objectives and National Investment Framework for Transport in Ireland (NIFTI) [link] Model and Intervention Hierarchies.
Phase 2 – Options Selection
The project is now entering Phase 2. The purpose of this phase is to develop and examine the competing options based on how they align to the project objectives in order, to determine the preferred option. This is achieved through the following steps:
Stage 1: Preliminary Options Assessment (CURRENT STAGE)
At this stage the Options are further developed and sifted through an initial Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) process. This process considers the benefits and disbenefits from an engineering, environmental, economic perspective. Options may be removed from considerations at this stage if they do not perform well in the MCA.
Stage 2: Project Appraisal Options
Stage 2 includes a detailed appraisal of the remaining options to identify the ‘Emerging Preferred Option’ from the short list of options under the seven criteria of Transport User Benefits and Other Economic, Accessibility, Social Impacts, Safety, Climate Change and Local Environment.
Stage 3: Selection of Preferred Options
Following Public Consultation for the Emerging Preferred Option in Summer 2026, the feedback received will be considered by the Project Team before a ‘Preferred Option’ is identified. Subject to approvals, the ‘Preferred Option’ will then be taken forward to Phase 3 (Design and Environmental Evaluation).
Phase 3 – Design and Environmental Evaluation
Subject to approvals and funding, the purpose of this phase is to develop the design of the Preferred Option selected in Phase 2, including the layout and junction arrangements, and undertake an environmental evaluation of the design to a sufficient level of detail to establish landtake requirements and to progress the project through the statutory process. During this phase, further engagement with landowners and interested parties will be undertaken as part of the ongoing design process.
Phase 4 – Statutory Process
Subject to funding and approvals to proceed, following the Design development, all documentation is compiled in Phase 4 and an application for Planning consent is expected to be lodged with An Coimisiún Pleanála.
Subsequently, an Oral Hearing may be held by An Coimisiún Pleanála regarding the proposed project in advance of them issuing a decision on the application for consent. Subject to receiving a positive decision to proceed with the project, and confirmation regarding funding, the next phase will involve procuring a contractor for construction.