€491m for 34 major national road projects, €63m for Greenway projects
The Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan T.D has confirmed the allocation of €554 million to local authorities through Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for national roads and greenways in 2023.
Not much in the way of detail has been published yet, but among the projects to benefit are the much sought after Slane bypass and an extension to the Boyne Greeenway. Also included in the list of allocations is the Ardee bypass which has been the cause of much anger since the route was disclosed a couple of years ago and is now the subject of a judicial review.
The Department of Transport is providing €491m of Exchequer capital funds for national roads to local authorities which will see allocations for 34 major projects across the country.
An allocation of €34.85 million is being provided for national roads maintenance. The 2023 funding allocations are made having regard for the National Development Plan 2021-2030 (NDP), which balances investment in transport against other priorities of Government over the lifetime of the Plan.
Today’s funding announcement is in line with the Programme for Government commitment to deliver a 2:1 ratio of expenditure between new public transport infrastructure and new roads during this period.
This is in line with the Government’s Towns First policy, facilitating more people-friendly development and ensuring that the towns can thrive and develop without 24/7 car congestion. These projects will progress rapidly.
Separately, funding of approximately €63 million through TII’s Greenway Programme will see the ongoing development of around 70 Greenway projects around the country. The funding will see construction continue on a number of projects which will be completed in 2023, with other projects moving through planning and design stage.
This funding forms part of the overall Programme for Government commitment of €360 million per annum for walking and cycling, so that more people can choose a safe, sustainable and healthier alternative to private car use.
Local TD Fergus O’Dowd said he was delighted to see that the Ardee Bypass is included in the today’s announcement which will see €350k made available in 2023 to cover the ongoing legal costs of the judicial review which he hopes will be dealt with as expeditiously as possible.
“if successful, I would expect to see construction commencing shortly afterwards” he said.
“In today’s announcement the bypass is referenced to as a project that will “improve road safety, reduced vehicular traffic in the town, better air quality and more active travel opportunities in the town, thereby providing for a better quality of life for local residents.”
“These are the exact reasons why Cllr. Dolores Minogue and I have campaigned for so long to get this project over the line.”
Cllr Minogue said “I’m thrilled to see the bypass is still front and centre of the government’s plans for regional investment. Ardee has so much to offer and this bypass would finally allow the town to breathe and develop appropriately.
“I’m also delighted to see that €600k has been secured in 2023 for the N2 Ardee to Castleblaney project to progress the upgrades that are so badly needed.”
