M18 extension to begin later this year

Work will begin later this year on extending the M18, which runs from Shannon to Gort, on to Tuam, according to Clare Fine Gael representatives.

 

The Department of Public Expenditure announced on Wednesday that it has approved funding of €20 million to cover the exchequer element of the proposed motorway project between Gort and Tuam.

“This section of road is the final piece of the infrastructural network required in this region. Following the completion of the MI8 Motorway from Shannon to Gort and the Shannon Tunnel, the completion of this phase will allow for easier access to Shannon Airport, boosting the tourism and industrial sectors in the region,” said Deputy Pat Breen.

“The construction phase of the project will create hundreds of much-needed jobs and I hope that now that the funding has been allocated by the Department of Public Expenditure, work on this PPP project can begin before the end of year,” he added.

Deputy Breen said the money for the infrastructure project would come from the sale of State assets and that it will be constructed as a public-private partnership but would not be a tolled road.

Clare Senator Tony Mulcahy said the commitment of €20m as an initial deposit will enable the National Roads Authority to re-engage with the preferred private contractor to complete the new N17/ N18 route.

Senator Mulcahy said, “Despite the present tough economic climate and the consequent fiscal constraints faced by the exchequer, it is fantastic news for those who travel this route to see the Government investing in this project.

“I believe the green light has been given because of the scheme’s strong potential to stimulate economic growth in the wider region.

“The road scheme forms part of the Atlantic Road Corridor and the Trans-European Road Network, while it is a strategic component of the national primary route network, providing a high-quality link between Dublin and the western region. It will offer direct benefits for the people of Galway and Clare by reducing journey times and, more importantly, by providing a safer route.

“On completion, the scheme will further improve connectivity to Ennis, Limerick and Shannon Airport for people in Galway and Mayo, in particular. It is expected that work on the project will get underway before the end of 2013,” Senator Mulcahy concluded.