Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Acting Chairperson for his courtesy, as usual, in giving me the floor on this issue. I am delighted it is being taken by my friend, the Minister of State, Senator Hackett. Coming from Mayo originally, I am sure she is familiar with the N5 route. We all know what has happened with that project. Unfortunately, the contractors who were to construct the bypass from Scramogue to Ballaghaderreen have run into difficulties. I have spoken about this on many occasions in the Seanad and previously in the Dáil. The contract is now off and that puts the focus back on the existing route. It is a very dangerous one on which there have been a large number of accidents and fatalities over many years. It is disappointing for the people living along the route that the new bypass is not going ahead. They have lived with the terrible experience of having to deal with horrific accidents on the road morning, noon and night over the past 40 years. It is not an exaggeration to say that when one looks back over those 40 years. In excess of 30 people have been killed on the road and 60 to 70 have been injured. It has been a nightmare for the people who live along the route.

We now have a hold-up on the construction of the bypass. I am very confident the Government is committed to the project and that the situation will sort itself out in time. However, it is important that we focus again on the issue of safety. In the time remaining to me, I will outline the problems along the route for the Minister of State. Scramogue Cross is a massive crossroads that requires further upgrading. In Strokestown, there is a Centra as one goes into the town, at the turn near the old football pitch. There have been numerous crashes there over the years. I acknowledge that Transport Infrastructure Ireland, TII, formerly the National Roads Authority, has carried out quite a lot of work there. There are also problems in Lisryan, which is on the far side of Strokestown. Tulsk village, which is a very elongated village with a school, community centre, church and some businesses, is also experiencing problems. Traffic goes through it at an enormous speed. The situation in Bellanagare may not be as dangerous but there are concerns about the volume of traffic going through it. In Frenchpark, there is an appalling scenario in terms of accidents. One occurred there recently involving a school bus. There has been a litany of accidents in that village.

We have seen some movement by TII in response to all the representations that have been made by a large number of politicians. In fairness to all my colleagues, whatever party they are in, there have been requests to upgrade the crossroads in Frenchpark village and the route on to Ballaghaderreen. We really need to focus now on advancing this project and money must be ring-fenced to ensure improvements are carried out. As a result of the hold-up, even at the greatest speed at which it can now be done, it will be four or five years before the bypass is completed. We must concentrate on safety issues. It would not take a huge amount of money to make improvements in that regard and it must be done. There are schools, churches and community centres along the route. Farmers have to do their business along the road, taking cattle to different lands and so on. They are really concerned about it because there is a threat every time they go out on the road. I know this issue is not part of the Minister of State's portfolio and I appreciate her taking it. I ask that she take the message back that TII needs to put extra effort into dealing with safety measures along this route.

Pippa Hackett (Green Party)
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I thank the Senator for his question. He is right that I am familiar with this stretch of road. As he is aware, the Minister for Transport has responsibility for overall policy and Exchequer funding in regard to the national roads programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with TII, under the Roads Acts 1993 to 2015 and in line with the national development plan, NDP, the planning, design, improvement and upgrading of individual national roads is a matter for TII, in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. TII ultimately delivers the national roads programme in line with Project Ireland 2040, which is the national planning framework, and the NDP.

Under the new NDP launched in October 2021, approximately €5.1 billion is earmarked for new national roads projects to 2030. This funding will enable improved regional accessibility across the country, as well as compact growth, both of which are key national strategic outcomes. The funding will provide for the development of numerous national roads projects, including the completion of those already at construction stage and those close to it, as well as the development of a number of others. Exchequer funding under the new NDP will also facilitate continued protection and renewal of our national roads infrastructure, including motorways, in line with Government policy.

A priority in the NDP, in line with the Department's typical investment hierarchy, is to maintain the quality and safety of the existing national road network, which includes the N5. This will serve to safeguard the significant investment that has taken place in our national roads over recent decades. The NDP foresees an Exchequer allocation of approximately €2.9 billion for the protection and renewal of existing national roads over the ten-year period to 2030, allocated fairly evenly across the decade.

The N5 is a national primary road connecting Longford town with Westport. The N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramogue project consists of the construction of 33 km of new single-carriageway road between the Ballaghaderreen bypass and Scramogue, bypassing Frenchpark, Tulsk and Strokestown. When completed, the project will reduce journey times, improve safety and deliver an improved urban environment in towns and villages along the route. As the Senator outlined, construction on the project was due to start earlier this year. However, works were suspended on 11 March due to the contractor, Roadbridge, entering receivership. Roscommon County Council is currently engaged in the process of procuring the services of a new contractor to progress the construction of the project. The tender process is under way and expressions of interest have been received. Subject to the successful outcome of a tender process, it is intended that the award of the main contract will happen in the first quarter of 2023. It is currently anticipated that the construction of the main scheme will take three years.

In 2022, a pavement improvement scheme will be progressed on the existing N5 road between Moneylea and Carrowntoosan, with works expected to commence by early July. In addition, a feasibility and options report has been received for a safety scheme at the junction of the N5 and R361 in Frenchpark. This will proceed to the next phase and TIl will provide the necessary funding. Active travel improvements for towns and villages along this route are also being investigated.

Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail)
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The Minister of State has given quite a positive response, which we do not always receive. I am delighted to hear about the improvement scheme between Moneylea and Carrowntoosan. Improvements to Frenchpark junction are also really important. These are areas that have caused concern to the public for many years.

There is also very good news in regard to the retendering for the N5 project. I hope it will be up and running before too long. It is really good to hear that expressions of interest have been received. I am quite happy with the Minister of State's response and update. It is only fair that I pay tribute to all my Oireachtas colleagues, irrespective of who they represent, for their representations on this issue, as well as the local councillors who have highlighted the problems time after time, for many years, particularly in regard to Frenchpark and Tulsk.

On a related matter, I am calling for the installation of special traffic lights in Strokestown, where there is currently a major issue. I will take that up directly with TII.

Pippa Hackett (Green Party)
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It is good to be the bearer of some positive news, which is not always possible when there are particular difficulties. I am glad the Senator is happy with the response and that he recognises the positive and proactive measures that have been undertaken. Approximately €51.6 million has been allocated to the N5 upgrade. It is a significant project and it is important that it be completed as soon as possible. I hope to see the tender process completed and construction starting, as projected, in the first quarter of 2023.The Senator highlights the value of effective public representation at all levels. We are supporting our communities through that.