M3 Clonee to North of Kells PPP motorway scheme opens

Date: 03 June 2010

M3 CLONEE TO NORTH OF KELLS PPP MOTORWAY SCHEME OPENS ALMOST TWO MONTHS EARLY AND WILL POTENTIALLY CUT OVER AN HOUR OFF PEAK-TIME JOURNEYS

Thursday 3rd June 2010: Mr Noel Dempsey, T.D., Minster for Transport will open the 60km M3 Clonee to North of Kells Motorway Scheme tomorrow, Friday 4th June, almost two months ahead of schedule. The €1 billion (one billion euro) M3 starts at Clonee and continues through County Meath up to north of Kells, close to the Cavan border. Bypassing Dunshaughlin, Navan and Kells, it has the potential to cut an hour or more off peak-time journeys between Co Cavan and Dublin. The M3 Motorway will be open to traffic by approximately 4pm on Friday 4th June, in time for the Bank Holiday traffic.

The M3 Motorway was delivered in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between the National Roads Authority working with Meath Co Council and Eurolink Motorway Operations (M3) Ltd who have designed, built and financed the Motorway and will operate it. The €1 billion project was financed by the private sector, the Exchequer under the National Development Plan and Transport 21, and the European Union Regional Development Fund.

Opening the M3 Motorway, Minister for Transport Mr. Noel Dempsey, T.D., says “the M3 is one of the biggest road projects to open in Europe this year. Opening ahead of schedule, it marks another major achievement in the Government’s delivery of the most ambitious road programme in our history. Above all, it will improve the quality of life for the people who travel on the M3 or who live in the towns that are now bypassed.”

Mr. Peter Malone, Chairman of the National Roads Authority says” the new M3 encompasses over 60km of new motorway and dual carriageway providing for safer journeys, enhanced economic connectivity and easier access to and from the nation’s capital. Additionally, the history and beauty of the entire area will be made more easily accessible for future generations to appreciate.”

According to Cllr William Carey, Cathaoirleach, Meath Co Council, “the opening of the M3 says, louder than any words, that Meath and the towns and villages in Co Meath are open for business and ready to become centres that attract jobs. The opening of the M3 means a welcome to shorter commuting times, better access for business and tourism and better quality of life which are immediate tangible benefit for people who live and or work in Meath and adjoining areas.”

Federico Gredilla, CEO of Eurolink, who will maintain and operate the Motorway, confirms that “1,800 people were employed in construction of the M3 and approximately 80 staff will be employed by Eurolink in the operation and maintenance of the Motorway at its offices at Blackbull and Grange Toll Plazas in County Meath.”

There are two Toll Plazas; one at Pace, between Dunshaughlin and Clonee, and one at Grange, between Navan and Kells. The toll for cars at each tolling barrier will be €1.30, to be paid by tolling tag, pre-paid Trip Card, cash or credit card. For all tolling details visit http://www.eurolink-m3.ie/ and to compare toll tag operators and their prices visit http://www.tagcompare.ie/

M3 Clonee to North of Kells Motorway Tolling Tariffs
Motorcycle (exceeding 50 cc) 70 cent
Car €1.30
Buses / Coaches €2.00
Goods vehicles with a design gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3,500kg €2.00
Goods vehicles with a design gross vehicle weight exceeding 3,500 kg and with 2 or 3 axles €2.70
Goods vehicles with a design gross vehicle weight exceeding 3,500 kilograms and having 4 or more axels €3.30

The M3 scheme has been completed under the National Roads Authority's (NRA) National Roads Programme and is a key part of the plan to upgrade the overall national road network for the country. The M3 forms part of the national strategic road corridors that connect Dublin and the east coast to the midlands, west and north-west of Ireland. Combined with the upgrade of the M50 scheduled for completion during 2010, the M3 provides Meath with a high quality Motorway/Dual Carriageway link to all the Major Interurban Routes.

As a Motorway, the M3 Clonee to North of Kells PPP Motorway Scheme is seven to ten times safer than the existing road. It will
· Provide approximately 60km of motorway in each direction from Clonee to Kells.
· Bypass Dunshaughlin, Navan, and Kells, removing through traffic, improving environmental standards and promoting a safer and improved quality of life for local residents.
· Contribute to competitiveness and efficiencies, due to reduced transport costs and reduced journey times, with enhanced economic opportunities.
· Significantly reduce travel times along the route for commuters and all other motorists.
· Facilitate access to the many tourist and heritage attractions in the region.
· Improve road transport connections in Meath and between the North-East and North-West.

ENDS