N15 Corcam Bends Scheme - Preferred Route Option

The N15 Corcam Bends Road Scheme commences to the east Stranorlar and continues for approximately 1.5 km east along the N15. This section of N15, which is subject to 100 km/h speed limit has been the site of a cluster of road collisions in the recent past. It falls significantly below standard for a National Road. The substandard horizontal alignment is characterised by a series of sharp bends and reduced forward visibility, and the cross-section is narrow with limited roadside verges and no provision for pedestrians or cyclists. These deviations from standards have created a hazardous environment which is evidenced by the poor collision record.

The core objectives of this scheme, which have been developed in line with the Transport Appraisal Framework (TAF) and the TII Project Appraisal Guidelines, are:

• Maintain the strategic function and capacity of the N15 corridor;

• Improve the road safety record of this section of N15 and support the Government’s Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 including contributing towards the primary target of reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries on Irish Roads by 50% over the next ten years, and the Vision Zero Strategy of achieving zero road deaths or serious injuries by 2050, using a Safe System approach;
• Avoid adverse impacts on the internationally important European Site of the River Finn Special Area for Conservation;
• Promote walking and cycling as a mode of travel by creating a safer setting along this section of the N15 and connecting to the urban area of Stranorlar;
• Promote walking and cycling as an alternative mode of travel to the car, thereby reducing vehicle related emissions;
• To encourage modal shift and promote walking and cycling as a viable transport alternative along the N15 at Corcam Bends;

• Improve accessibility for all, and in particular vulnerable groups;

• Reduce severance and in turn support social and economic development within this strategically located hinterland; and
• Provide areas to the east of Stranorlar with a safe and convenient alternative form of transport to cars when making trips to and from Stranorlar / Ballybofey.

Donegal County Council along with our appointed Technical Consultants, Roughan & O’Donovan, have progressed the project to close-out of Phase 2 – Options Selection. The Options Selection process, which included 2 No. Public Consultation events, comprised the following stages –

1. Stage 1 - Preliminary Options Assessment – Identification of constraints within a defined study area and development of a long-list of options, followed by a comparative assessment of the potential impacts of each option in the form of a Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA), and their relative success in achieving the project objectives, under the headings of Engineering, Environment, and Economy. A shortlist for 4 options (including an on-line option) were identified for further consideration.
2. Stage 2 - Project Appraisal Matrix – Detailed MCA of shortlisted options assessing the quantifiable and non-quantifiable impacts of each option using the TAF criteria of Accessibility, Social, Land Use, Safety, Climate Change, Local Environment to identify the Emerging Preferred Route.
3. Stage 3 - Selection of Preferred Route – Selection of a preferred option based on the MCA.  Preparation of a Project Appraisal Balance Sheet to summarise the impacts associated with the preferred option. The rationale for the selection is outlined within the Options Report.

Option B has been identified as the Preferred Route Option and its selection process is detailed in the Project Appraisal Report. The Preferred Route Option (Option B) and Project Appraisal Report will be available for viewing from Monday 3^rd March 2025 until Monday 24^th March 2025 at the following locations.

If required, we are available at the National Roads Office to meet and discuss this project if you have any questions.  Please contact us on 074 97 24500.