New N5 Turlough to Westport road project is going to tender - Minister Ring

THE Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring has welcomed the news that the N5 Westport to Turlough road project will go to e-Tender for the procurement of a main contractor.

Mayo County Council will be working with TII in progressing this scheme. The total cost of the investment in this project is approximately €170 million which includes land, construction and all other costs.

Minister Ring said: “I am delighted that the government has decided to allow the N5 Westport to Turlough Road project to go to tender. This is brilliant news for Mayo.

"It is one of the most significant investments in the West of Ireland in a generation. It will transform the way Mayo will work. It is a signal of intent for the Atlantic corridor and it will help to drive the development of the county.”

“I have been working on this 20 years. In 1994 this project was to go ahead but was shelved by Fianna Fáil and they were in government for 17years after that and nothing was done about this road.

“I am delighted, as a cabinet minister to be announcing today that the N5 Westport to Turlough (€170m+) project is now going out for tender. This is brilliant news for Westport, Castlebar, for industry, for tourism and it will promote economic development. It is a massive investment in County Mayo.”

“I compliment TII and Mayo County Council who have both put a lot of work into getting this project up and running. I am delighted that the government have now brought this project forward. It was one of the commitments in the National Development Plan.”

“The N5 out of Westport is an exceptionally busy road, with huge volumes of traffic travelling on it, on a daily basis, so I am pleased that this project is progressing to e-Tender Stage for the procurement of a main contractor."

Councillor Tereasa McGuire has welcomed the announcement that the N5 Westport to Turlough road will go e-Tender.

Councillor McGuire stated: “This is wonderful news for Mayo and is welcome news for all who travel on this road on a daily basis. This road is one of the biggest roads in the county and this investment and those works will greatly improve the traffic flow from Castlebar to Westport.

“This project has been ongoing for some time so it is wonderful to see the commitment that the government has made to it.

“In particular I would like to compliment Minister Michael Ring for his work in bringing this project to fruition. This €170 million investment is a huge investment and is one to be warmly welcomed.”