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Minister Ring opens Longford Bypass

Minister of State for Tourism & Sport Michael Ring today (Thursday) officially opened the much anticipated N5 Longford Bypass which is set to make a hugely significant difference to the road network in the North West.

Speaking today Minister Ring said: “The road which I have the pleasure of opening today, is the final link in the Longford Bypass project. In 1995, the N4 traffic was removed from the town with the construction of the original bypass - this section completes the link and removes the N5 traffic as well.

“Longford has long been associated with traffic delays on the route to the West and Northwest of the country. Thankfully, that day has passed and heavy goods vehicles and through-traffic now have little or no reason to travel through the centre of Longford town. This will have many positives. Any reduction in through traffic in a town centre is to be welcomed by the traders, shoppers and those with business in the town. The town centre becomes a more relaxed place to visit, shop and do business in. It becomes a safer environment for pedestrians, most importantly for the old and for children.”

The Total Scheme Budget for the scheme is approximately €26 million, which includes all costs associated with the project including design costs and land.

Minister Ring added: “Further ventures which are set to greatly improve access to the West include the project on the Downes at Mullingar which is proceeding on schedule to finish later this year. Moreover, work has now started on the Ballaghadereen Bypass which will provide a bypass to the north of Ballaghaderreen. The project involves realignment of local road junctions and a grade separated junction at the N5/R293 interface.”

Minister Ring concluded: “Taking these three projects together it should be obvious to all concerned that while we are in a period of scarcity, funds carefully focused on smaller projects such as these can deliver very tangible improvements in the lives of all of us from the West of the country, making access to our magnificent part of the world easier, safer and faster for visitors, residents and investors.” Ends.

Issued By:

Press Office Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport. Tel: 01 6041090/6041087.

Key facts

The N5 Longford Bypass involves the construction of a north-west bypass of Longford Town. The bypass provides a link between the N4 at Moneylagan and the N5 National Route at Ballyminion. The scheme consists of the construction of 2.6 km of single carriageway and 6 structures. It includes 2 at grade roundabouts at the N4 and the N5 junctions, a river bridge spanning the river Camlin, a railway bridge spanning the Dublin Sligo railway in the townland of Cartons and the realignments of regional and local roads.

Benefits

It results in improved safety by the provision of a safer section of route, there are no junctions between the N4 and the N5 roundabouts and it provides for the separation of bypassing traffic from local traffic and pedestrian.

Project Particulars

Employer: Longford County Council

Employer’s Representative: Fehily Timoney Gifford Ltd.

Form of Contract: Design and Build

Conditions of Contract: Public Works Contract for Civil Engineering Works Designed by the Contractor.

Time for Completion: 78 Weeks (2 Months ahead of Schedule)

Contractor Wills