The works are set to support work levels equivalent to about 1,200 jobs.
He said he was very happy to be able to make the announcement at a time when funding is so constrained. “This funding will be used to improve safety at major black-spots, such as removing bad bends or hazardous conditions. In a number of cases the funding will be used to remove bottlenecks and tackle congestion. Given that exchequer funding is currently so limited, my main priority this year is to maintain roads and prioritise safety projects, followed by road improvements, and finally by new projects.”
Work will start on about 30 of the schemes this year, selected by the National Roads Authority (NRA). A further 30 projects will be brought through the planning process, with construction starting if and when funding permits.
Meanwhile, hundreds of other small-scale projects will start this year involving new road surfaces, minor safety works and improved signage. Some €18m has been allocated to small-scale safety schemes, with another €18m allocated for remedial works on bridges.
NRA CEO Fred Barry said: “We are delighted that even during these constrained times we will be able to carry out essential local improvements and tackle some of the worst safety challenges on the legacy road network.”
Construction has started on the following projects and will continue this year:
- N3 Belturbet bypass, Co. Cavan
- N4 Downs grade separation, Co. Westmeath
- N5 Longford bypass, Co. Longford
- N22/N69 Tralee bypass
- N25 Cork South Ring Road grade separation, Cork City Council
- N52 Carrickbridge to Dalystown, Co. Westmeath.
Separately, construction is expected to start on the following projects in 2012:
- N5 Ballaghaderreen bypass, Co. Roscommon
- N7 Newlands Cross upgrade, South Dublin
- N11 Arklow to Rathnew, Co. Wicklow.
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