News
Construction of Belturbet Bypass to begin in 2011
The Minister has been informed by the National Roads Authority (NRA), that progress is now such that a design/build tender process is to commence immediately, and when completed, will allow for the bulldozers and heavy equipment to move on site and begin to build the new road in 2011. “I have been in close contact with my colleague, the Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, T.D. and the NRA Chief Executive, Mr. Fred Barry, regarding the critical importance of this road project to the west Cavan area. The securing of a further €3.2 million allocation this year under the national roads programme has been a key factor in finally moving the 7km road to the construction stage”, Minister Smith said.
Already, €15 million has been spent on the project which has allowed considerable ancillary work to be undertaken, including site investigation, archaeological surveys and land purchase.
“I have been assured that the NRA is working closely with Cavan County Council to commence the design/build tender process. Some have doubted if the project would ever reach this stage, however, with the necessary funding now in place, the people of Belturbet and those using this part of the N3, can look forward to one of the most important landmark transport projects in Cavan getting under way.”, he said.
“I want to compliment Cavan County Manager, Mr. Jack Keyes for his strong support for the project, as well as Mr. Clifford Kelly of the NRA, Senator Diarmuid Wilson and Councillors Seán Smith and John Paul Feeley. They were in attendance at a very productive meeting with Mr. Fred Barry, Chief Executive of the NRA last December”, the Minister concluded.
