Cabinet approval for €241 million N5 Westport to Turlough Road

CONFIRMATION Michael Ring

Michael Duffy

Michael Ring, TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, has this afternoon confirmed that the Cabinet has given its approval for the construction of the N5 Westport to Turlough Road.

The proposed road development, which will cost €241 million to construct, involves the construction of 20.3 km of dual carriageway from Westport to Turlough and a 2.5 km single carriageway link to the N59 Westport to Mulranny national secondary road.

“I’m delighted that the Cabinet has given the green light to this vital piece of infrastructure,” said Minister Ring.

“This is the single largest Government investment in the history of Mayo and it will have a transformative effect on our county. Work is due to begin later this year.

“The benefits for road users from near and far as well as local residents will be immense. It will result in safer and less time consuming journeys and an improved environmental quality in the towns of Westport and Castlebar by removing through traffic.

“On a strategic level, the construction of the road will encourage investment and support employment in the county and greatly enhance connectivity within the county.

“I have pushed hard at Cabinet level for the new N5 to be delivered and I commend An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar; the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure, Paschal Donohoe and the Minister for Transport, Shane Ross for supporting this landmark project.”

Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Westport councillor Brendan Mulroy, said the announcement was a ‘landmark day’ for the towns of Westport and Castlebar, and the county as a whole.

“Mayo County Council has recently announced plans to create a hub between the towns of Westport and Castlebar and this announcement will go along way to bringing those plans to fruition. We hope that the project will begin before the end of this year and that the road will be fully completed within a two-year period.

“Minister Ring deserved great credit for the delivery of this project and it’s fantastic to see infrastrucuture of this kind begin developed west of the Shannon,” said Cllr Mulroy.

Minister Ring added that the new N5 will link up with the N59 which is currently undergoing a €55 million improvement scheme from Westport to Mulranny.

“The N5, which is Mayo’s main artery to the midlands and Dublin, is undergoing major investment and significant improvements which is resulting in ever shorter journey times and safer trips.  

“These works include the bypassing of Ballaghadereen and the 34km section of road between Ballaghaderreen and Scramoge which will bypasss Frenchpark, Bellanagare, Tulsk and Strokestown and which is due to progress to construction.”

Minister Ring confirmed that the scheme approved today by Cabinet also includes the following:

• 2.3 km upgrade of a section of the N59 at Barleyhill to Type 3 single carriageway;

• 2 compact grade separated junctions including overbridges;

• 6 roundabouts;

• 2 rail bridges over the Westport to Dublin railway line;

• 11 overbridges, 2 underbridges and 7 farm underpasses;

• Associated earthworks, diversion of services and realignment of existing roads

•  Drainage works, landscaping and ancillary works.