Funding of €200m. approved for 'missing link in N5 corridor'

The Cabinet has today approved funding for the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge Road project.

The development, estimated to cost in excess of €200 million, will now progress to the construction phase.

The project involves the construction of around 34 km of new single carriageway road that will extend from the western end of the existing N5 Ballaghaderreen Bypass to the townland of Scramoge in Co. Roscommon.

It will bypass the towns and villages of Frenchpark, Bellanagare, Tulsk and Strokestown.

Provision will also be made for pedestrian and cyclist facilities where the route meets access points to some of the towns along the route.

Welcoming the news Mayo Deputy Alan Dillon said: “This is truly a great day for the entirety of Mayo and any road users who depend on the N5.

"As the primary access road to our county, it has been a long road in getting to this point of project approval.

"By completing the missing link in the N5 corridor, it will improve road transport and access to the north west.

“This project will truly bring the vast majority of the N5 up to a true and fit-for-purpose standard for a national primary road.

"It will improve safety for all road users including pedestrians and cyclists.

"The new route will also benefit road users by improving overall journey times and reduce travel costs.

"This represents a game changer for Mayo industries and tourism, as it addresses a key infrastructural deficit which will now move to construction.

"The construction phase which in itself will create much needed employment as society continues to reopen.”