Mayo route part of major investment in northwest roads
Minister of State Marian Harkin has warmly welcomed the announcement by the Department of Transport that funding has been secured and plans are being finalised to advance the construction of the N17 from Knock to Collooney, the Eastern Garavogue Bridge and the Carrick on Shannon by-pass.
“These are all set to be under construction by 2030. Crucially, the N15 from Sligo to the county boundary will be reinstated and advanced through the different stages from appraisal, planning and design to construction,” Minister Harkin said.
The Transport Sectoral Plan published by the Department of Transport today on foot of the review of the NDP, is described by the Minister as a decisive move for balanced regional development. “For decades, I have argued that balanced regional development must begin with proper infrastructure and connectivity, and today’s announcement shows that this principle is finally being put into action. The northwest is seeing long-promised, long-overdue investment delivered.”
Among the key investments are: Construction on the N17 - to be in train by 2030; works on the Eastern Garavogue Bridge and approach roads will also commence by 2030; the N15 will be progressed to delivery-ready status within the next five years, with construction to follow; the Carrick-on-Shannon bypass remains on track with construction to be under way by 2030.
“These commitments are not aspirational, they are backed by ring-fenced Government funding and guaranteed under the Programme for Government. These projects are moving ahead because balanced regional development is now a priority, not an afterthought,” Minister Harkin said.
She stressed the significance of this moment for the people of Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal and the wider northwest, “The N17, in particular, is a major national artery, yet for years it has been dangerous, outdated, and a brake on regional growth. “Communities, businesses, farmers, and tourists have all felt the impact. Upgrading this route is essential if we are serious about supporting the northwest on equal terms with the rest of the country.”
“Balanced regional development is no longer just a slogan, we are seeing it delivered. These infrastructure commitments mark a major step toward a safer, stronger, and more prosperous northwest,” Minister Harkin concluded.