Further boost for Mayo's main traffic route to Dublin

The government has confirmed it is committed to commencing construction of the N5 Ballaghadereen to Scramogue Scheme next spring.

Deputy Dara Calleary has received the information in reply to a written query he sent to Transfer Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

He elaborated: “TII have confirmed to me that tenders for the main construction contract of the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramrogue Scheme are expected to be received in Roscommon County Council by the end of this year with the review of the tender documents taking place during Q1, 2021

“In parallel, a detailed business case, as required by the public spending code, will be prepared for submission to government by way of the Department of Transport.

"Pending the government grants approval and the associated funding is made available to proceed with the scheme, it would be anticipated that construction would begin in quarter two of 2021

“The construction period has a timeframe of 36 months – it is a huge scheme with huge benefits for county Mayo.

"I am committed to seeing this scheme started in 2021 and delivered on time.

"I will continue to make representations to the Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath to ensure that this happens," he added.