Minister Ross welcomes an investment of over €450 million in funding to Local Authorities for the national road network across the country.

The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross welcomes today’s confirmation from Transport Infrastructure Ireland that, as a result of funding secured in Budget 2020, €450 million will be invested in maintaining and upgrading the national road infrastructure. 

Minister Ross confirmed that approval has been given to continue to progress a number of long-awaited projects, which range in scale from the M20 Cork to Limerick project to N56 Cycleway from Illistrim to Letterkenny. All of these projects will deliver local, regional and national benefits. 

Minister Ross said; “I’m committed to providing funding that will improve road user safety for all road users, not just drivers. We are dedicated to improving road safety for all of our citizens in whatever way possible, whether through legislation, education or road maintenance. TII share my commitment to improving safety across the national road network.”

Minister Ross added; “I am also delighted that TII have confirmed funding for other significant projects identified in the National Development Plan which include projects such as the N2 Adree to South of Castleblaney Bypass, N2 Clontibert to the Boarder, N3 Virginia Bypass, N4 Carrick-on-Shannon to Dromod, N4 Mullingar to Longford, N21 Abbeyfeale Relief Road, N21 Newcastle West Relief Road and the N22 Farranfore to Killarney.” 

The Minister noted that funding has also been confirmed to commence with the construction of the N22 Ballyvourney to Macroom project. This scheme is 22 km in length and will improve safety along one of the country’s most dangerous stretches of national road connecting Cork and Kerry.

Additionally, TII has indicated to the Minister that the N67 Ballinderreen to Kinvara realignment phase 2 will be funded and there will be funding to progress the Galway to Athlone cycleway. 

Michael Nolan CEO TII said: “Today’s approval for funding by our Board allows TII to work with our local authority partners in delivering projects that will improve road user safety and enhance regional accessibility across the country for all road users. This level of investment allows us to continue to maintain and improve our national road network.”

Project Ireland 2040 is a strategic delivery programme that will balance regional accessibility with local improvements project.  
 
For a full account of allocations see here.