Minister for Transport Mr. Noel Dempsey announces €1.44 billion allocation for 2009 National Roads Programme
Transport Minister Mr. Noel Dempsey, T.D. and NRA CEO, Mr. Fred Barry today (28/01/08) announced details of the Government’s €1.44 billion investment in National Roads Programme 2009. This investment demonstrates Government’s continued commitment to upgrade the States national road infrastructure. It is being made under the Transport 21 Programme and the National Development Plan (NDP). The overall allocation represents an average investment of €120 million per month in Ireland’s national roads.
• A total of €1.44 billion of funding for the National Roads Programme under Transport 21/NDP will be allocated in 2009. This funding will finance 315 projects throughout the country.
• All remaining connecting sections of the Major Inter Urban (MIUs) motorways are now under construction. The NRA is on track to complete the four remaining MIUs by 2010.
• As of January 1, 2009 approximately 478 km of new roads are under construction.
• N21 Castleisland Bypass will start construction in 2009
• 156 km of new roads will be completed in 2009. The projects are; N4 Leixlip to M50 Junction; N6 Athlone to Ballinasloe; N7 Nenagh to Limerick; N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown; N9 Waterford to Knocktopher; N9 Kilcullen to Carlow, N51 Navan Inner Relief Road and the N25 Waterford City By Pass
• Seven projects are moving forward into the Compulsory Purchase Order stage in 2009 .These projects are (N11) Gorey to Enniscorthy (incl Enniscorthy Bypass); (N20) Cork to Limerick Northern Section; (N20) Cork to Limerick Southern Section; (N22) Ballyvourney to Macroom; (N22) Cork Northern Ring Road; (N25) Carrigtwohill to Midleton and (N56) Mountcharles to Inver.
• In 2009 work will continue on 17 major road projects at a total cost of almost €5 billion.
Among the road projects delivered in 2008 are:
• Phase 1 and 3 of the M50 (between the Ballymount and Blanchardstown Junctions)
• Barrier-free electronic tolling which saw the removal of the West-link toll plaza (shaving 30 minutes off journey times for southbound motorists at peak hour)
Speaking today about the €1.44 billion investment for national roads, Minister Dempsey, said:
“This Government is committed to progressing projects that will maintain employment and underpin our economic development. The billion euro funding that we have allocated for national roads in 2009 will allow for the continued upgrading of our road network so that road users can enjoy safer, more efficient journeys. By 2010 we will have completed our major inter urban programme delivering over 742 kms of new motorway right across the country.”
The Minister added:
“The projects that will be funded in 2009 will be built to various scales and are located throughout all regions. What is common to all, however, is that they make for safer, better roads. High quality dual carriageways and motorways are proven to be seven times safer than the roads they replace. By opening over 156km of new roads in 2009 we will be making a significant contribution to the safety of our national road network.”
Chief Executive Officer of the NRA, Fred Barry, said:
“In 2008, the National Roads Authority completed all projects on average approximately 4 months ahead of schedule. The programme is being delivered below budget, and an outstanding economic return is being achieved. These road project investments are typically delivering returns of over twice the investment cost.”
Issued by:
Department of Transport Press Office
Olive Stephens 01-6041089
NRA Press Office
Sean O’Neill (086 8230600)
Apendices
Appendix 1 - National Road Projects Completed in 2008
Appendix 2 - National Road Projects to be completed in 2009
Appendix 3 - National Roads Projects started in 2008
Appendix 4 - National Road Projects to Start in 2009
Appendix 5 - National Road Projects in Construction at 1 January 2009
Appendix 6 - Projects Proceeding to CPO/EIS in 2009
Appendix 7 - 2009 National Road Grant Allocations to Local Authorities