Ring confirms Cabinet approval for €241m Westport - Turlough road

MINISTER Michael Ring has confirmed this lunchtime that the Cabinet has given its approval for the construction of the N5 Westport to Turlough Road.

The road development, which will cost €241 million, involves the construction of 20.3km of dual carriageway from Westport to Turlough and a 2.5km single carriageway link to the N59 Westport to Mulranny national secondary road.

Commented Minister Ring: “I’m delighted that the Cabinet has given the green light to this vital piece of infrastructure.

“This is the single largest government investment in the history of Mayo and it will have a transformative effect on our county. Work is due to begin later this year.

“The benefits for road users from near and far as well as local residents will be immense. It will result in safer and less time consuming journeys and an improved environmental quality in the towns of Westport and Castlebar by removing through traffic.

“On a strategic level, the construction of the road will encourage investment and support employment in the county and greatly enhance connectivity within the county.

“I have pushed hard at Cabinet level for the new N5 to be delivered and I commend An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure, Paschal Donohoe, and the Minister for Transport, Shane Ross, for supporting this landmark project.”

He continued: “This government is delivering for road users in Mayo. Since Fine Gael came into government in 2011, we have delivered and are continuing to deliver road projects of major significance to Mayo and the region. This is helping to make people’s journeys safer and shorter as they travel within the county and further afield.

“The new N5 will link up with the N59 which is currently undergoing a €55 million improvement scheme from Westport to Mulranny.

“The N5, which is Mayo’s main artery to the midlands and Dublin, is undergoing major investment and significant improvements which is resulting in ever shorter journey times and safer trips.

“These works include the bypassing of Ballaghadereen and the 34km section of road between Ballaghaderreen and Scramoge which will bypasss Frenchpark, Bellanagare, Tulsk and Strokestown and which is due to progress to construction.

“By improving our rural infrastructure and transport links we can continue to support our rural communities. We want to make rural Ireland an even better place to live, work and raise families by improving connectivity. Good quality roads have a real impact on people’s day to day lives and their safety.”

Minister Ring confirmed that the scheme approved today by Cabinet also includes the following:

• 2.3 km upgrade of a section of the N59 at Barleyhill to Type 3 single carriageway.

• 2 compact grade separated junctions including overbridges.

• 6 roundabouts.

• 2 rail bridges over the Westport to Dublin railway line.

• 11 overbridges, 2 underbridges and 7 farm underpasses.

• Associated earthworks, diversion of services and realignment of existing roads.

• Drainage works, landscaping and ancillary works.

Chief executive of Mayo County Council, Peter Hynes, in welcoming the announcement, said: “When completed, the road will link Castlebar and Westport into a single cluster which will be on a par with growth centres identified in the current National Planning Framework. This cluster will encourage investment into the county and bring economic development benefits for all of Mayo.”

The cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor Brendan Mulroy, added: “I am very excited about today's approval of the N5 dual carriageway from Turlough to Westport. This will undoubtedly lead to a greater working relationship between Castlebar and Westport and lead to significant investment and jobs in the years ahead.

“Allied with the major investment and upcoming improvements works on the N5 between Ballaghaderreen and Scramogue in Co. Roscommon, this project will bring Dublin closer to the west in terms of travel time and connectivity.”