A significantly enhanced road investment programme has been announced by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Shane Ross.

The announcement follows the conclusion of the Capital Plan Review process from October. Overall, an additional €486 million was secured for roads for the period of 2018-21 bringing total roads investment for the period to €4.26 billion.

Making the announcement, Minister Ross said: "I was delighted to secure such an increased allocation during the Capital review process, the largest at the time. With this increase we are able to commence additional roads projects, such as; the Sligo Western distributor road, the Tralee northern relief road and the Killaloe bypass and R494 upgrade.

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"The commencement of the main contract for the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor road in Limerick will also be undertaken and will be critical to the consolidation and regeneration of the Moyross area.

"In addition a package of extra measures can now be implemented including the improved management of the M50 through the use of variable speed limits, reduced energy usage for route lighting, minor improvement works and community involvement programmes together with the assessment of potential future projects.

"The original capital plan projects remain a top priority and these projects continue to be advanced and a construction schedule is in place for the projects with planning permission. Construction has already started on the M7 Naas to Newbridge motorway widening, Sallins By-Pass and Osberstown Interchange scheme together with the Grange Castle Business park approach roads (Adamstown & Nangor road upgrades). The implementation of the rolling programme of improvements on the N56 in Donegal is also continuing. These projects are all to be welcomed as we try to maintain growth across the country."

(MH)