Funds for construction to commence on improving the N18 Ennis to Galway route have been released three years ahead of schedule, Transport Minister Martin Cullen announced today.
The funding forms part of an overall scheme to improve the Atlantic Road Corridor which runs from the south in Waterford through Cork, Tralee, Limerick, Ennis, Galway, Sligo and ends in Letterkenny, Co Donegal.
The Minister also announced that the acceleration of funding on the Atlantic Road Corridor will result in the Galway City Outer Bypass being constructed earlier than planned and in this year's allocations by the National Roads Authority, €1.5 million has been allocated this year to advance the planning of this project.
Speaking today in Galway about the new National Development Plan 2007 - 2013, the Minister said: "The Government is providing significant funding, under this NDP, to address the issue of balanced regional development. The enhancement of transport infrastructure nationally and locally is absolutely vital and under Transport 21, Galway and the West will be supported and encouraged to grow and maintain its economic success and allow its citizens to enjoy the quality of life this area can and does provide".
The Minister added: "Transport 21 will also tackle congestion in Galway by enhancing the public transport infrastructure. The development of a commuter rail service between Galway and Athenry, new stations at Oranmore and Sixmilebridge and a rail service between Ennis/Tuam as part of the Western Rail Corridor to Claremorris and eventually to Sligo, will support an alternative public transport service for the city and county".
The development of a bus-based public transport network, building on recent fleet investment are also among plans to ease congestion in the city.
The Minister said that Iarnród Éireann will also be improving services on the line between Galway and Dublin. One hundred and fifty new railcars are in the process of being introduced into the intercity network. These enhancements will see hourly services on the Galway-Dublin route at peak times and two-hourly services in off-peak.