An Bord Pleanála has given the go-ahead for development work on the N5 between Ballaghaderreen and Scramogue. The works will see the proposed development link with the Ballaghaderreen bypass before joining up with the existing N5 at Scramogue, near Strokestown.
In welcoming the approval, the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr. Ivan Connaughton said that the announcement was a major milestone.
He thanked Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Roscommon NRRO, Roughan & O’Donovan – Aecom Consulting Engineers and their sub-consultants and expressed a special word of thanks to the National Road Design Office staff of Roscommon County Council who brought this project to this stage.
The Cathaoirleach also thanked the landowners and local communities affected for their co-operation and he looks forward to the next phase of the project commencing.
The Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Eugene Cummins also welcomed the announcement.
Fianna Fáil TD Eugene Murphy said the announcement was “great news”. I have long campaigned and highlighted the need for this upgrading of the N5 and have raised it on numerous occasions in the Dáil chamber and directly with Minister Shane Ross as I am acutely aware of ongoing health and safety concerns along this dangerous stretch of roadway so it is a significant development”.
Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice described the project as “crucial for the development of the region”, adding that further work was needed on infrastructure in the west.
“The west of Ireland consistently has to fight for improvements to critical infrastructure – whether it be road improvements, broadband services or access to other primary services.
“While this development must be welcomed, a lot more work needs to be carried out to ensure that people are afforded the opportunity to live and work in the west of Ireland – rather than be driven to cities due to a lack of key infrastructure”.
Fine Gael Senator Maura Hopkins said the proposed works were extremely positive but raised concerns over the volume of traffic on the N5 as well as excessive speeds.
She added that it was critical that the project proceeds as quickly as possible.
