Concerns over the protection of the pearl mussel are causing continued delays to a major upgrade of the N59 in Connemara.
Planning permission was secured for the stretch of the route between Oughterard and Maam Cross with strict conditions to protect the species.
However, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and County Council are at loggerheads over the council’s method statements for the works.
The method statements outline how the council intends to carry out the long awaited upgrade of the N59.
However, the NPWS has yet to agree to the statements which relate to the section of the road near the Owenriff River, which is a pearl mussel habitat.
The County Council executive is to meet with the NPWS in the coming weeks to attempt to work out an acceptable works programme.
Director of Services Liam Gavin has told Connemara councillors that the council is confident its proposed works will not pose a risk to the pearl mussel.
However, until the NPWS signs of on its method statements, the works cannot proceed.
Meanwhile, planning permission for the Maam Cross to Clifden section of the route was refused by An Bord Pleanala earlier this year, spurring a local campaign.
The County Council says there is no clear strategy as yet with regard to a renewed application for the long-awaited works.
In the meantime, the road between Oughterard and Bunnakill will be resurfaced.
Design works for this €2.5 million project are currently underway.
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