The Government will spend €25M in 2018 on three phases of the N56, Minister Joe McHugh has announced.
The local Government TD has confirmed this evening that work will begin next year on the Coolboy to Kilmacrennan Road which he secured a commitment to earlier this year.
Other projects given the go-ahead next year are the Kilkenny to Letterlilly road and the Mountcharles to Drumbeigh road – also on the N56.
Government Chief Whip McHugh said he was also delighted with phase three of the Monaghan to Emyvale road which is important for the link to Dublin.
“All these road connections need upgraded for safety reasons and once again I am happy to announce that Donegal has been included in this national programme,” said Minister McHugh.
“The Coolboy to Kilmacrennan road was added to the programme after I successfully lobbied for it to be included as part of a new water mains from Lough Salt to Letterkenny – saving taxpayers’ money.
“After further talks I have also been able to include cycle lanes on the same new stretch of road with a link to Mountain Top.
“Further along the N56 it was important to build on the success of the Gweebarra N56 improvements and the addition of two new schemes from Kilkenny to Letterlilly and Mountcharles to Drumbeigh stretches is very welcome news. Improvements in those areas are also badly needed.
“This is another good day for Donegal – with Donegal’s voice being heard at the Cabinet table and in Government. The Kilmcrennan link will now cost €20M – and with the other schemes getting underway around €25M will be spent in 2018 alone on the N56.”
Minister McHugh added: “I want to thank Donegal County Council and their staff at the National Roads Office as well as Transport Infrastructure Ireland for their diligent work in getting these three road plans in Donegal to this stage. It’s another good day for Donegal.”
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