By-pass 'a boost for the border'

The new €51.8m Carrickmacross by-pass is another vital step in the development of the border region, Transport Minister Martin Cullen said today.

The 8.5km stretch of road and two other road projects in Monaghan would help drive development in the area, he said.

The new single carriage by-pass will take 20 minutes off journeys between the border and Dublin and the completion of projects in Castleblayney and Monaghan town would increase time savings to 50 minutes.

Mr Cullen said the Carrickmacross by-pass, the Monaghan and Castleblayney by-passes, the upgrade of the N2 between the M50 Interchange and Ashbourne and the completion of the Dublin to Dundalk motorway on the M1 will provide quicker and safer road links between the north and Dublin.

“The completion of each project is making life easier and safer for road users,” he said.

“It is also means we will get greater balanced regional development and in doing so, protect and grow jobs.”

Mr Cullen highlighted benefits to the people and businesses of Carrickmacross of the new road including the reduction of accident rates, improved competitiveness through reduced transport costs and a reduction in traffic congestion in the town centre.

Mr Cullen said the new roads and 58,000 new metric speed signs, an addition of 23,000 speed signs on previous numbers, will help save lives.

“Upgraded roads, particularly motorway or dual carriageway standard roads, provide a much safer driving environment,” he said.

“Together with improved speed signage, it makes driving simpler and safer for motorists.

“This type is a key part of the new Government Road Safety Strategy.”

The Carrickmacross project joins Kildare, Monasterevin and Cashel bypasses as the fourth National Development Programme project in the past four months to be completed within budget and ahead of schedule.