Cullen turns sod on N6 road project

Date: 31 May 2006

Transport Minister, Martin Cullen, T.D., today (Wednesday, 31st May 2006) turned the sod on yet another Transport 21 road project in the West. The N6 Kilbeggan to Athlone project, will stretch some 29kms and will continue on from the Kinnegad to Kilbeggan phase, which between them will provide a total of almost 57kms quality national road. Work is due to commence immediately on the new phase and is estimated to be completed in Summer 2008.

The route is also the key east-west axis providing the major inter-urban route from Galway to Dublin and it is a vital step in the improvement of road infrastructure serving the west of Ireland and areas of the BMW region.

At the sod turning, Minister Cullen said: "The N6 Kilbeggan to Athlone road project forms part of the East/West Strategic Road Corridor. It is a further development in delivering Transport 21 that connects the regions and promotes prosperity in communities. It will provide a bypass for Kilbeggan, Moate and Horseleap, giving these towns back to their people. At the moment this section of the N6 has traffic volumes in the region of 13,000 every day, of which 1,500 are HGVs while Moate can experience three-mile tailbacks on Friday evenings. In addition, it will reduce journey times by up to 30 minutes at peak times. In this competitive environment time savings generate an economic advantage and these savings are translated, ultimately, into jobs."

The route for the project begins at the N52 South of Kilbeggan and runs south of the existing N6, crossing to the north of the existing N6 at Farnagh and connects to the Athlone Relief Road, bypassing Kilbeggan, Horseleap and Moate.

The Minister spoke of the good progress being made in upgrading national roads throughout the country. In 2006 work is continuing on 25 projects; 9 of which are due for completion this year they include the N52 Mulllingar Bypass and the Edgeworthstown Bypass in the BMW region. Work is due to start on 11 major projects, while the N6 Ballinasloe Bypass is in the early stages of procurement.

On Transport 21, the Minister said: "The goal of Transport 21 is to provide Ireland with a first class transport system that, on a national level, connects all regions to each other and to our main seaports and airports, and, in the cities, will provide greatly enhanced public transport alternatives to the private car. The objective of Transport 21 is nothing less than a transformation of Ireland's transport network. This is necessary, and the huge levels of investment involved are justified, having regard to the critical importance of a good well functioning transport infrastructure for the economic and social life of the country and our quality of life generally."

Minister Cullen also spoke of road safety and the number of initiatives currently underway in bringing about positive change and improved driver behaviour on our roads. He will be publishing the Road Traffic Bill shortly that will provide for mandatory alcohol testing, more speed cameras and ban the use of hand held mobile phones. "My priority is to get this Bill enacted as soon as possible.

Mr. Peter Malone, Chairman of the National Roads Authority said: Today sees work start on the second phase of the largest roadway ever built connecting Galway and Dublin. At 57km in length it's the single longest stretch of motorway ever built in Ireland. Schemes such as the N6 Kilbeggan to Athlone project remind us of the massive transformation that Ireland's national road network is undergoing.

"This new east west corridor will not only benefit the major urban centres of Dublin and Galway but it will relieve traffic congestion in towns and villages such as Kilbeggan, Horseleap and Moate allowing for a climate of economic competitiveness to develop. The story will be similar throughout the country because in less than 4 years time the National Roads Authority partnership with local authorities will deliver all of the 5 major inter -city links connecting the regions with Dublin. By providing essential infrastructure we can improve road safety, reduce congestion, improving the environment and facilitate business and tourism growth. This work will continue for many years to come thanks to the Government's €16bn Transport 21 National Road Plan and the NRA is committed to delivering for the people of Ireland a safe and modern road network."

ENDS

Further info: Veronica Scanlan at 087 6430622