Speech by Mr. Martin Cullen T.D. Minister for Transport at the sod-turning of the N5 Charlestown Bypass

Date: 20 February 2006

Introduction

I am delighted to be here today at the sod-turning for the N5 Charlestown Bypass. This bypass, when completed, will remove in excess of 7,000 vehicles per day from Charlestown and the village of Carracastle. Both places will enjoy significant benefits socially, commercially and environmentally from the removal of through traffic and the reduction of noise levels and air pollution. Popularly known as the International Gateway to the West of Ireland and with Knock International Airport just a few miles down the road, Charlestown will now be more than ever a place to go to, not a place to pass through.

Project

The Bypass comprises the construction of approximately 18km of single carriageway from the townland of Cloonlara, at the eastern end of the Swinford Bypass to Currinah on the existing N5 in Co. Roscommon between Carracastle and Ballaghaderreen. It will pass 1.6km south of Charlestown and 0.3km south of Carracastle. As well as improving travel times and safety for all traffic using the N5, the bypass will also improve the environment of people living adjacent to the existing N5.

Improvements to our road infrastructure - with projects such as this one - also benefit industry in terms of reduced journey times and greater journey time certainty. In short, projects like this let business do business. This in turn is good for jobs in Mayo and the region.

National Roads Programme

The beneficial impact of the increased investment in the national road network is increasingly evident throughout the country. Over the period since 2000 to date, 57 projects totaling 421kms have been completed. Work is underway on another 24 projects totaling 215kms. Route by route, project by project, the national road network is being transformed. With the completion of each new project, we are improving the quality of life in communities, making journeys easier and promoting jobs.

The pace and momentum of the national roads programme will be substantially accelerated in 2006. Some of the main elements of this year's programme include the completion of 13 projects and the commencement of work on 15 new projects.

BMW Region

It is worth noting that 6 of the 10 road openings in 2006 are in the BMW region.

This is a practical demonstration of the Government's and Fianna Fáil's commitment to investing in the regions and to delivering the infrastructure that counties like Mayo need and deserve.

Transport 21

The good progress that has been made in recent years will be sustained under Transport 21. Transport 21, containing as it does an integrated approach to meeting Ireland's transport needs underpinned by sustained high levels of investment, will improve our competitiveness, promote more balanced regional development and improve the quality of life for all our citizens.

The West of Ireland will be a major beneficiary of the transport investment provided for under Transport 21. Substantial funds will be poured into road, rail and regional airports along the whole Western part of the country. The national primary and secondary network will be substantially upgraded. The Western Rail Corridor will be reopened to Claremorris and new and more frequent rail services will be provided within the Western area and between the West and the rest of the country.

Transport 21 places a heavy focus on developing the whole transport networks along the Western Seaboard. The investment will result in enhanced connectivity within the Western region. Projects include:

Delivery of the Atlantic Corridor road from Letterkenny to Waterford via Sligo, Galway, Limerick and Cork
Renewal works along the national secondary routes including the coastal routes in Donegal, Sligo, Mayo, Galway and Clare coastal and
The phased re-opening of the Western Rail Corridor from Limerick to Claremorris and protection of the alignment from Claremorris to Collooney.
A new commuter rail service from Athenry to Galway
Knock Airport

Under the Transport 21 Framework, Ireland West Airport Knock will also receive funding for development works and safety related infrastructure. Ongoing Exchequer support for Knock Airport has contributed greatly to the growth in business at the airport over recent years. Passenger numbers have increased by 100% over the past 2 years. As a result, business and jobs in the region have benefited. Consumers too have been offered greater value, with Knock now the airport of choice for many. It is hoped that the airport will be in a position to develop scheduled services on routes to Europe and possibly even to the US, in the longer term. It was Fianna Fáil that helped deliver Knock Airport and in Government, Fianna Fáil will continue to support an expanding Knock Airport.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to take the opportunity to thank all involved with this project including

Mayo County Council

the National Roads Authority

the land owners and others who have cooperated in getting the project to this stage

- Messrs Ryan Handley WSP who have been successful in securing the contract and wish them and their workforce well in their efforts to complete the project on time and within budget

- Everybody else who had a role-big or small in getting the project to this stage.

I wish you and those who will be working on the site well in bringing the project to a successful conclusion.

Thank You.