The announcement in Dáil Éireann by Minister Eamon Ryan for works to proceed on the N5 national primary route between Ballaghaderreen to Scramogue has been welcomed by Roscommon County Council.
Speaking following the announcement, Chief Executive Shane Tiernan claimed the development which is 34 kilometres in length, will be a major benefit not only to county Roscommon but to the entire region as well as greatly enhancing safety for road users on this national primary route.
“Roscommon County Council has been to the forefront in urging for works to proceed on the N5 route as a matter of urgency. Now that the Government have given the go-ahead to this project, the construction phase can now begin.
“The development of the N5 will be a major driver for local economic development. It will reduce transport journey times as well as carriage costs for business but more importantly, provide a quality and safer route serving the entire western corridor, providing better connectivity.
“Commuting times for businesses, works and visitors to the region will be considerably reduced. The new route will also reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety in our towns and villages such as Frenchpark, Ballinagare, Strokestown and Tulsk which will now be bypassed.
“Because of this, all of these locations will be safer and more attractive for visitors to stop and enjoy the many retail, historical and heritage offerings all of these locations enjoy in abundance. Pedestrians and cyclists will also benefit from the reduction of traffic in these locations whilst benefiting from active travel infrastructure that will form part of the scheme.
“The new road will greatly enhance one of the most important national primary routes in the county, improving traffic connectivity between east and west and serve as one of the main arterial routes to the western region.
Mr. Tiernan concluded that Roscommon County Council are delighted with this approval from government and to be the lead authority on this significant project whilst expressing his appreciation to all who have worked and contributed to getting this project to this pivotal stage.
Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr. John Keogh has also welcomed the announcement: “The new N5 route will be a transformative project for the county of Roscommon. Our central location to many urban centres will be greatly enhanced by the new road, making our county an even more attractive place to invest in and visit.”
News of the development was announced by Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan in Dáil Éireann on Tuesday. The estimated total scheme cost of the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramogue Road Project is estimated at €450 million and will take up to four years to complete.
The new estimate for the project has increased due to inflationary pressures alongside rising costs of construction materials and elevated levels of shipping and logistic costs. Provision will also be made for pedestrian and cyclist facilities where the route meets access points to some of the towns along the route, improving road safety for all route users.
