62% extra spend on road projects

Expenditure on major road construction projects in the Border, Midlands and West region will be up 62% to €300m in 2004, compared to last year's spend.

Transport Minister Seamus Brennan, speaking today at the signing of the construction contract for the Sligo Inner Relief Road, said a total of 16 schemes in the region are currently underway or due to start this year.

The Sligo Inner Relief Road is expected to be open by the end of 2006 and aims to relieve traffic congestion in Sligo town.

The tender for the project has been awarded to Ascon and will cost about €72.65m.