Minister for Transport Mr. Noel Dempsey announces €1.68 billion allocation for 2008 National Roads Programme
Transport Minister Mr. Noel Dempsey, T.D. and NRA Chairman, Mr. Peter Malone today (25/01/08) announced details of the Government’s €1.68 billion investment in National Roads Programme 2008. This investment demonstrates Government’s continued commitment to upgrade the States national road infrastructure. It is being made under the Transport 21 Programme and the National Development Plan (NDP). The overall allocation represents an average investment of €140 million per month in Ireland’s national roads.
- A total of €1.68 billion of funding for the National Roads Programme under Transport 21/NDP will be allocated in 2008. This funding will finance 434 projects throughout the country.
- Work will commence in 2008 on the final four outstanding projects that will complete the Major Inter-Urban (MIUs). The projects concerned are (N7) Castletown to Nenagh; (N7) Newlands/Cross; (N9) Carlow Knocktopher; (N9) Kilcullen to Carlow. The NRA is now on track to complete the four remaining MIUs by 2010. (Dublin to the Border-Belfast was completed in 2007)
- As of January 1, 2008 approximately 458 km of new roads are under construction.
- 169km of new road construction will commence in 2008. Projects will include the 27km (N9) Killcullen to Carlow; the 40km (N9) Carlow to Knocktopher; the 36km (N7) Castletown to Nenagh; the 28km (N18) Oranmore to Gort; the 22km (N18) Gort to Crusheen; the 14km (N52) Tullamore Bypass and the 2km (N7) Newlands Cross upgrade.
- 100km of new roads will be completed in 2008. The projects are; 29 km N6 Kilbeggan to Athlone; 19km N9 Carlow Bypass; 40 km N8 Cashel to Mitchelstown including a 3km N24 Cahir Bypass and the 10km M50 Upgrade Phases 1 and 3.
- The tender process for the construction of the N11 Arklow/Rathnew scheme will commence in 2008.This project represents the last remaining link in the N11 Dublin to Gorey route.
- €15 million has been allocated towards road safety measures.
- Phase 1 and 3 of the M50 upgrade will be completed this year. (Between the Ballmount and Blanchardstown Junctions)
- Barrier-free electronic tolling will commence operation in August 2008 allowing drivers to benefit from the removal of the West-link toll plaza.
- Eight projects are moving forward into the Compulsory Purchase Order stage in 2008 and the projects are (N4) Carrick-on-Shannon to Dromod; (N11) Enniscorthy Bypass; (N15) Ballybofey / Stranolar Bypass; (N22) Tralee Bypass; (N22) Ballyvourney to Mcroom; (N25) Carrigtwohill to Midleton; (N56) Mountcharles to Inver and (N85) Ballyconnell Inner Relief Road.
Speaking about the €1.68 billion investment for national roads, Minister Dempsey, said:
“This Government is committed to progressing projects that will enhance quality of life for people, connect communities and underpin our prosperity. The funding allocated for 2008 will allow for more new and better roads that will help road-users go about their daily lives in a more efficient way. Better roads also facilitate greater competitiveness. Business can do business in a more effective way”.
The Minister added: “The projects announced today are built to various scales and are located throughout all regions. What is common to all of these projects, however, is that they make for safer roads. As Transport Minister, road safety is of paramount importance to me and better quality roads make for easier, safer, road journeys in less built-up traffic. High quality dual carriageways/motorways have been proven to be seven times safer than the roads they replace. By opening over 100km of new roads in 2008, we are adding significantly to the safety of our national road network.”
Peter Malone, Chairman of the National Roads Authority, said:
"The 2008 allocations show a continued commitment by the current Government to invest throughout the country in the much needed programme to upgrade are national roads network. The overall funding package of €1.68 billion affords the NRA the opportunity to work with local authorities on the planning and construction of new and improved roads. I have seen first hand the immediate positive impact the national roads programme is having on villages, towns and cities throughout the country. Not only does it provide funding to build safer roads, but it adds significant value to the business and tourism industries.”
Chief Executive Officer of the NRA, Fred Barry, said:
“In 2007, the National Roads Authority completed all projects on average approximately 6 months ahead of schedule. Projects that opened ahead of schedule include the (N11) Arklow Gorey Bypass (opened 4 months ahead of time), the (N6) Kinnegad to Kilbeggan (section opened 12 months ahead of time); the (N1) Northern Ireland Border to Dundalk (opened 3 months ahead); the (N5) Charlestown Bypass (opened 6 months ahead); the (N4) Dromod to Rooskey (opened 5 months ahead) and the (N56) Mountaintop to Illistrin (opened 12 months ahead). The funding announced today will ensure that the pace of the programme is maintained in 2008.”
Issued by:
Department of Transport Press Office - Olive Stephens 01-6041089/ NRA Press Office - Sean O’Neill (086 8230600)