The N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramogue road project could commence from June next year, it has emerged.
Speaking at a budget meeting of Roscommon County Council, Acting Council Chief Executive Shane McTiernan said that in March 2022 news emerged that the massive road project was coming to a standstill, with the main contractor Roadbridge going into receivership.
“However, work had continued intensely, and it is hoped that the project can recommence construction in quarter three of 2023,” he said.
The meeting heard that funding of €187 million for the project had been budgeted for.
Cllr Joe Murphy welcomed the update and hoped that the new tenders could be signed in the first quarter of
Meanwhile Senator Aisling Dolan received confirmation from TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) during a Transport Oireachtas Committee meeting that construction of the N5 road project could commence from June 2023 once a contract is awarded.
“Peter Walsh, the CEO of TII, confirmed to me during the Transport Committee that the new tender process to build the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramogue road has been extended to February 2023 with an additional three month timeframe to award a contract,” said Senator Dolan.
“TII has confirmed construction of the N5 is a priority project. Government allocated €200 million to this crucial project to make roads safe in Roscommon. It is under Project Ireland 2040 and testament to government’s commitment to balanced regional development,” she added.
“I was outside Tulsk in October 2021 with Councillor Liam Callaghan and public representatives to launch the start of construction and then in March 2022 this project was stalled due to the provider entering receivership.
“It is positive to hear of an expected new tender contract from June 2023 and follow-on funding allocated in 2023 by TII to continue construction. This is such a dangerous stretch of road and this investment in a new road will remove heavy traffic in towns and make our communities safer in Frenchpark, Ballinagare, Tulsk and Strokestown,” she said.
