"Transport 21 places a heavy focus on developing the whole transport networks along the Western Seaboard"
Transport Minister, Martin Cullen, T.D. visited Loughrea, County Galway today (Friday, 25th November 2005) where he officially opened the N6 Loughrea Bypass. Construction work began on the project in September 2004 and is opening almost 2 months ahead of schedule. "This project is yet further testimony to the Government's commitment to upgrading the national transport networks. Loughrea will now join a list of towns, including Kildare, Monasterevin and Cashel, that are no longer famous for their bottlenecks", stated Minister Cullen.
Loughrea Bypass is 3.75kms in length and cost €18 million. It is funded by the Government under the National Development Plan and is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
Minister Cullen said: "I am pleased to officially open Loughrea Bypass - one vital piece of road infrastructure that forms an intrinsic part of the proposed 56kms Ballinasloe East to Galway scheme. With the removal of 10,000 vehicles per day from Loughrea, the town will be given back to its people and visitors will be afforded a much more relaxed and enjoyable visit or stay in the town. Industry will also benefit from the ease of traffic and greater journey time certainty. Another key project in the West is the N4 Kilcock/Kinnegad scheme which is due to open next month and will bring the total road openings in 2005 to ten. Six of these are in the BMW region."
The Minister said that good progress is being made in improving the National roads programme network throughout the country. Fifty four schemes have been completed since 2000 to date, including major projects on the M1 from Dublin to Dundalk, the N4 Sligo Inner Relief Road, the N11 Glen of the Downs, and work is underway on others including the N18 Ennis Bypass, N2 Ashbourne and the N15 Ballyshannon/Bundoran Bypasses.
There are a number of other projects already underway or well advanced in planning on the N6 at present. Phase 1 of the Kinnegad/Athlone (Kinnegad-Kilbeggan) is currently in construction and is due to be completed in 2007. Phase 2 is at an advanced planning stage and is due to start in 2006. Ballinasloe/Galway and Athlone/Ballinasloe projects are also making good progress, with construction due to start in 2007 and 2008 respectively.
Projects such as these, Minister Cullen said "provide a good start to Transport 21. At its core, Transport 21 forms an integrated approach to meeting Ireland's transport needs underpinned by sustained high levels of investment. It will improve our competitiveness, promote more balanced regional development and improve the quality of life for everybody living here and our tourists who visit here."
The West of Ireland, Minister Cullen said, will be a major beneficiary of the transport investment provided under the Government's €34.4 billionTransport 21. Substantial funds will be poured into road, rail and regional airports along the whole Western side of the country. The National primary and secondary network will be substantially upgraded. The Western Rail Corridor will be reopened to Claremorris and new and more frequent rail services will be provided within the Western area and between the West and the rest of the country. Transport 21 places a heavy focus on developing the whole transport networks along the Western Seaboard. The investment will result in enhanced connectivity within the Western region and connecting the West with the other regions."
The Minister thanked all involved in the Loughrea Bypass project and asked all drivers throughout the country to drive with care and respect for other road users and help make our roads safer this Christmas season.
Mr. Peter Malone, Chairman of the National Roads Authority said: "2005 has been a very productive year the National Roads Authority and has seen an unprecedented level of activity on the national road network including a significant number of schemes aimed at improving access to the West. The Kilcock/lKinnegad scheme will open next month, well ahead of schedule, while work is progressing on the the Kinnegad to Kilbeggan scheme and tenders are due in next month for the Kilbeggan/Athlone section of the Galway/Dublin route. An emerging feature of the network is long continuous sections of motorway and high quality dual carriageway. The completion of major scheme on budget and ahead of schedule is as a result of a number of initiatives undertaken by the Authority and our commitment to achieving value for money."
Further information: Veronica Scanlan at 087 6430622
