Cullen announces €1.5bn National Roads Programme for 2006

Date: 24 January 2006

Work on 39 road projects in first year of Transport 21
€60m for new four-year “Lines and Signs” initiative

€1.5billion will be invested in Ireland’s National Roads this year, the first year of Transport 21, Transport Minister, Martin Cullen TD announced today (24th January, 2006). Work will start on 15 new projects this year, treble the average length of starts in the past three years. 13 other key projects will be completed. A further 11 projects already underway will continue construction during 2006. Funding has also been allocated to Local Authorities for improvements on national roads in every county, meaning over 400kms of national road will be started or completed in 2006.

Minister Cullen also outlined a four-year €60million Lines and Signs programme to upgrade road signage and clearer road markings on the country’s national road network. Minister Cullen described the Lines and Signs initiative as “a concerted attempt to deliver user friendly road signage.” The programme, overseen by the NRA, will incorporate new and improved directional signage, new tourism signage and updated existing signage.

The Minister said: “Consistency in road signage is crucial. Standardised road signs, positioned in the right place, make journeys safer and easier. We will work with and listen to local views, Local Authorities, Fáilte Ireland and others to provide the best national road signage.”

Commenting on the 2006 allocation, Minister Cullen said: “Project by project we are connecting communities, enhancing quality of life and creating a road network that lets business do business.

“National roads are a critically important part of our national transport infrastructure and a vital ingredient in the overall Transport 21 package. A record 334kms of new roads will begin construction during the year, treble the average length of starts in the past 3 years. The scale of work that will be carried out allows us to accelerate the pace and momentum of the roads programme in 2006. Every county is benefiting, every community gaining from this investment”, Minister Cullen said.

Key aspects of the 2006 programme include (full details attached):

• Completion of 13 projects with a combined length of over 82kms
• Commencement of work on 15 new projects with a combined length of 336kms
• Investment of more than €60 million in national secondary pavement restoration programme;
• Funding for planning and design, advance land acquisition and site investigation
• Increased use of the innovative “2+1” road type within the overall programme.

€20million for important road safety measures was also announced. This includes the fitting of safety barriers on all motorways and dual carriageways, improved road layout and road markings works, junction control and signage.

“Each of these measures are key components of achieving the objectives set down in the Government’s Road Safety Strategy 2004-2006”, the Minister concluded.

Commenting on the 2006 allocation, NRA Chairman, Peter Malone said: "During 2006 we will not only be one step closer to achieving the inter-urban links outlined in Transport 21, but we are putting forth considerable effort on all fronts with the continued high level commitment to the secondary road network, overall road safety improvements, and maintaining the highest standard on mitigating the environmental impacts.

“Additionally, I would ask all the residents of Ireland and visitors alike to keep in mind; we are undergoing the largest infrastructure investment in our Nation's History. At times it will not be easy, but we are investing in our future without trampling on our past and that takes significant investment and patience."

ENDS

Further info:
Department of Transport Press Office 01 – 6041087 / 90 / 91
NRA Press Office 01 – 6602511

Appendices
Appendix 1 National Road Projects to be completed in 2006
Appendix 2 National Road Projects to Start in 2006
Appendix 3 National Road Projects in Construction at 1 January 2006
Appendix 4 2006 National Road Allocations to Local Authorities
Appendix 5 NRA Road Safety Programme
Appendix 6 National Road Projects Completed in 2005

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