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Minister Ross opens the M17/M18 Gort to Tuam road scheme
Transport Minister Shane Ross has today officially opened the M17/M18 Gort to Tuam scheme. The Gort-Tuam Public Private Partnership scheme is one of three road PPP projects included in the Government's Financial Stimulus Package 2012.
Speaking at the opening Minister Ross said:
I am delighted that the M17/18 road scheme has been completed two months ahead of schedule and on budget. This new motorway is a huge boost for the western seaboard area. It will enhance employment opportunities, benefit tourism and help address traffic bottlenecks at Tuam, Claregalway, Oranmore, Clarinbridge, Kilcolgan and Gort. In more good news there will be no tolls on the motorway.
Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said:
Today’s opening of the M17/M18 Gort to Tuam PPP motorway marks yet another major milestone in the delivery of the Government’s PPP programme and represents a significant investment by the Government in national infrastructure in the west of Ireland. The new road will reduce journey times and increase safety while also representing a major step in enhancing regional connectivity in the West.
The road will be of motorway standard from Gort to the Kilmore junction near Tuam (a distance of 53.2km) and a dual carriageway type 2 cross section from the Kilmore roundabout to the Mountpotter roundabout north of Tuam (a distance of 4.2km).
The overall scheme value is €550 million.