Speaking today, Minister Ross said: “I am delighted that TII are able to progress these 4 projects which are ‘shovel ready’. As Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, I am absolutely committed to enhancing road safety and introducing every possible measure to reduce fatalities on our roads. These projects will provide a range of safety improvements and significant positive environmental benefits. They will also reduce overall journey times which will have a positive impact across the country.”

These projects were selected according to the benefits in terms of safety, and the state of preparedness. The cost of construction will be substantially met by the savings arising out of TII’s successful appeal on the toll VAT issue. Total construction cost for all four schemes is €30 to €35 million.

Details of the 4 schemes

N70 Kilderry Bends.

The proposed scheme entails a realignment of approximately 3.5km of the N70 in County Kerry commencing on the existing N70 in Kilcolman townland west of Milltown and terminating on the existing N70 in Tinnahally townland approximately 2km northwest of Killorglin. This segment of the N70 is to be improved by a realignment which will remove substandard bends thereby improving sight distance, increasing efficiency of traffic movements and improving overall road safety. This particular section of the N70 has a poor accident record and the scheme is aimed at addressing the poor geometry of the existing route. The proposed scheme will involve realignment to Type 2 Single Carriageway, 7m Carriageway and 2×0.5m hard strips.

N56 Coolboy to Kilmcrennan

The proposed N56 Coolboy Kilmacrennan scheme is located approx.  5 km North of Letterkenny and is a continuation of the N56 Mountaintop to Illistrin project completed in 2009. The 3.15km long improvement scheme will involve the widening and realignment of the existing route to Type 2 Single Carriageway (7.0m Carriageway with hard strips). The project will significantly improve safety for road users and will maintain consistency of cross-section between Letterkenny and Kilmacrennan.

This scheme also includes the provision a cycleway.

Currently the existing principal water supply to Letterkenny runs along part of the existing N56 within this proposed road scheme. There is also, an existing distribution main running along the entire length of the N56 within the road scheme. The upgrade of both the trunk main and the distributor main are currently programmed for completion by Irish Water. Donegal County Council plan to minimise the costs associated with reworking and disruption by including the Irish Water infrastructural works in their Construction Contract.

N2 Monaghan to Emyvale (Phase 3).

The existing N2 between Monaghan and Emyvale has been the subject of phased improvement works to improve the poor horizontal and vertical alignment.   Phases 1, 2 and 4 have been completed.  The proposed N2 Monaghan to Emyvale Improvements Phase 3 is the last section of the phased improvements on the N2. The proposed scheme is 3.4km long and extends northwards from the townland of Corracrin to Cornacreeve on the outskirts of Emyvale. The road cross-section to be provided is a Type 2 single carriageway with localised widening, right turning lanes and 3.0m verges. The N2 Monaghan to Emyvale Road Improvements Phase 3 will improve road safety, reduce traffic accidents and improve the quality of travel on the Dublin – Derry National Primary Route.

N61 Coolteige

The location of the proposed scheme is on the N61 immediately north of Roscommon Town.  The proposed road development is 2.5km in length with a standard Single Carriageway (7.3m carriageway with two 2.5m hard shoulders) cross section. The alignment of this section of the N61 is deficient in both the horizontal and vertical geometry. The paved width is generally less than 6m with no hard shoulders and little or no verges.  Sight distances at junctions are restricted; there are no overtaking opportunities.

There are 47 access points which have a major impact on road safety. The accident rate on this section of national road is twice the national average. The proposed development will reduce the number of accesses on to the N61 by 75% and it is anticipated that over 90% of traffic will divert onto the realigned route resulting in in significant positive environmental benefits for existing dwellings and improved road safety for all users.