Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for coming to the House this morning. As he will be aware, I have raised on several occasions the N5 project between Ballaghaderreen and Scramoge. We have had a positive announcement in terms of the project being approved by An Bord Pleanála. That is a very good step in the right direction in terms of delivering this project. However, it is crucial that capital funding is provided to deliver this project as quickly as possible.

As we all know, it is our collective responsibility to try to reduce risk. The section of road between Scramoge and Ballaghaderreen is an accident blackspot on which there have been numerous incidents and accidents. Urgent action is needed to address the issue.

This much needed project involves the construction of approximately 35 km of new road and the realignment of approximately 15 km. I use the road regularly and it is evident that there are exceptionally high volumes of traffic on it. There are major concerns about excessive speeds being used on the road, particularly in Frenchpark, Ballinagar, Tulsk and Strokestown. While An Bord Pleanála has given a green light to the project, it is now very important that capital funding is allocated to deliver it as quickly as possible. The delivery of the project will have a positive impact on road safety. It will also be important for the economic development of the north Roscommon and western region. I very much look forward to the Minister's response on the current position of the project now that we have a decision from An Bord Pleanála.