A number of road safety schemes throughout Ireland have been approved after the Minister for Transport secured over €136 million government funding.

Minister Shane Ross also confirmed construction work on the Ardee Bypass will start next year.

Below is a list of the national road realignment schemes given the go-ahead:

• N2 Monaghan to Emyvale Phase 3, County Monaghan

• N52 Ardee Bypass, County Louth

• N56 Coolboy to Kilmacrennan, County Donegal

• N56 Kilkenny to Letterilly, County Donegal

• N56 Mountcharles to Drumbeigh, County Donegal

• N59 Westport to Mulranny Section 2 Kilmeena, County Mayo

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• N61 Coolteige, County Roscommon

• N67 Ballindereen to Kinvara, County Galway

• N70 Kilderry Bends, County Kerry

• N80 Maidenhead, County Laois

• N81 Knockroe Bends, County Wicklow

Minister Ross said: "Although road traffic collisions occur for a variety of reasons, the condition of our roads is an important factor in preventing crashes and saving lives. I would like to stress that I am dedicated to improving road safety for all of our citizens in whatever way possible, whether through legislation, education or road maintenance and therefore I am delighted to see Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) making this funding commitment to safety improvements across the country.

"I am also happy that TII have confirmed they are moving ahead with other major projects included in the Capital Plan.” The Minister noted that funding has also been confirmed to allow the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramogue scheme to progress to statutory approval. This scheme is 35 km in length and involves the upgrade of the N5 National Primary route in Roscommon."

(CD)