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See short report on archaeological discoveries on this project

• The N6 Loughrea bypass was officially opened by Mr. Martin Cullen T.D., Minister for Transport on the 25 th November 2005 .

• The completion of the 3.75 km bypass of the town of Loughrea was within budget and ahead of schedule will now provide high speed uninterrupted travel past what had become in recent years,  a major bottleneck.

• Now with noise levels and air pollution in Loughrea being reduced the town will benefit socially, commercially and environmentally from the elimination of through traffic.

Environmental Measures

• All works within watercourses were carried out between March and September.

• Watercourses were protected from siltation or other solid discharge by effective runoff management and silt traps.

• All banks and streams beds were restored at the completion of any diversions ensuring stability and using natural materials where possible.

• The water course flows were maintained at all times during construction.

• The permanent works included hydrocarbon interceptors, silt traps, attenuation ponds and other drainage systems to ensure long term protection of the rivers during the working life of the road.

Archaelolgical Heritage.

A comprehensive programme of archaeological works had proceeded construction of the bypass; including a study of cartographic sources and existing historic records, a walkover inspection of the route, geophysical survey and archaeological testing and full excavation of the sites.

• The most substantial early modern site discovered during the course of archaeological works was found in Tullagh Upper on the proposed Gort link of the Bypass. Four human skeletons and the foundations of a house with under-floor drains were found at this location.