N5 Ballaghaderreen-Scramoge road approval good news for Mayo motorists

THE N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge road project has obtained planning approval and is to progress to construction.

The improvements to the 34km stretch of road, which includes the bypassing of Frenchpark, Bellanagare, Tulsk and Strokestown, will mean shorter and safer journeys for people travelling to and from Mayo.

Welcoming the news, Minister Michael Ring explained: “A new high spec road will now replace what was a notoriously dangerous and deficient stretch of road. As well as a new carriageway, the project will include an additional 13km of side roads and existing road improvements, 17 at-grade T-junctions and five roundabouts.

“Improvements to the N5 such as this can only encourage and support investment and employment in the west and north-west regions.

“Work is due to begin later this year on the Westport to Castlebar section of the N5 which will have a transformative effect on west Mayo.”

The total estimated investment value of the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge project is approximately €200 million. The project was a key issue identified in Project Ireland 2040, improving access to the northwest region of the country.

During 2019, a series of advance works contracts will commence including archaeological investigations, ground investigations, boundary fencing, tree felling and additional clearance works.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland will support Roscommon County Council to achieve contract award before the end of 2020. Following receipt of tenders and subject to government approval to proceed, the main construction contract will take three years to complete.