Minister makes rural roads pledge

The Government’s 10-year roads investment plan – announced in the Budget - will have a strong regional balance, it was claimed today.

Transport minister Martin Cullen said today that capital transport infrastructure was crucial in continuing to protect and grow jobs in rural areas.

Mr Cullen was speaking in north Co Mayo where he officially opened Stage 1 of the €16m Ballina to Bohola road.

The National Roads Authority (NRA) said the 4.7km stretch of single-carriageway roadway was constructed on schedule and on budget.

The NRA said the route would replace the existing N26 between Ballina and Carrowntreila and would cater for the 9,000 vehicles that use the route every day.

The Ballina-Carrowntreila road is part of a larger scheme to join up with the N5 linking Dublin and Westport, bypassing Foxford and Swinford.

Mr Cullen said: “The Border Midland Western (BMW) region will prosper if we can ensure key infrastructure projects are delivered upon.

“Planning and delivery of infrastructure is a key priority of the National Spatial Strategy.

“The 10-year package unveiled in the Budget means Government can plan with certainty for road and public transport investment for the years ahead.

“Well-connected and strategically planned infrastructure is crucial in addressing regional imbalance.

“This will give businesses and jobs in the BMW region a better chance.”

Mr Cullen claimed the 150 million euro-per-month road investment by the Government was increasing road traffic volumes and relieving bottlenecks.

He added: “Road improvements must also be seen in terms of quality of life for people.

“Getting to work, school or play becomes less of a guessing game. This represents good investment of our taxes.”

Minister Cullen said the new N26 forms part of the strategic national roads policy to improve the primary and secondary road networks in line with the National Spatial Strategy objective of upgrading cross regional link roads.

Minister Cullen highlighted that the new road will deliver a significant road safety dividend.

He added: “New and upgraded roads provide a much safer driving environment. This type of investment is a key part of the new Government Road Safety Strategy”, he concluded.