National Roads Authority chief Peter Malone has said road works between Ballinasloe and East Galway, part of the M6 scheme, is on schedule for completion early next year.

Speaking at the official opening of the M6 Athlone to Ballinasloe national road project, Mr Malone described the works "another step forward in bringing Dublin closer to the west".

He said: "It will make a huge difference to people travelling between Dublin and Galway. Travel times between the two cities will be greatly reduced, road safety improved and access between the regions considerably enhanced.

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"Drivers can now travel a distance of 138kms on world class roadway from Dublin to Ballinasloe, 123kms being motorway and only 15kms dual carriageway.

"The final link, the Ballinasloe to East Galway section, is on schedule for completion early next year. Such schemes will provide a much needed boost for national industrial and commercial sectors," added Mr Malone.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen, who officiated at the ceremony, said: "This particular road building scheme has been completed on time and below budget at a cost of €210m.

"This new road will shorten journey times, improve competitiveness, provide safer travel and remove 12,300 vehicles per day from the existing single carriageway."

(PR/BMcc)