Works on the long awaited redesign of the streetscape in Ballymahon aren't likely to start until next year.
Councillors in the Ballymahon Municipal District were told at their monthly meeting in recent days that the council has now sent redesigned plans for the project to Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
The plans will then need to be agreed by local councillors and a planning process will begin to carry out the works.
Plans were halted last year after TII disagreed with plans for a roundabout on the N55 junction at the end of the town heading towards Athlone.
It was felt that a roundabout would offer no protection for pedestrians and cyclists using the junction and that led to a re-think of the project.
Ballymahon MD Chair Councillor Mick Cahill says he hopes works could yet start by the end of this year if things go to plan.
