Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh has heralded the completion of the improved Blue Banks stretch of the N56 between Letterkenny and Kilmacrennan.
He said the stretch of the N56 was long known as a notorious stretch of road and the multi-million euro roadworks that have been completed is a huge sign of this Government’s commitment to improved transport infrastructure and safer journeys.
The official opening will be performed later today by Minister McHugh and Donegal County Council following an investment of around €20m.
The Minister said: “I made a very strong case to Government in 2017 that it made sense to do these extensive roadworks while a new water main was being laid by Irish Water from Loch as Allt to Letterkenny. On top of that I also pushed for the greenway element from Coolboy to Illistrin.
“Putting major infrastructure schemes in place at the one time made sense to save taxpayers’ money and also to demonstrate once again how this Government is backing investment in Donegal.
“As with a number of road projects in our county, the N56 Blue Banks works included greenway paths along the road for cyclists, walkers, runners and tourists. It’s about leisure, fitness, health and there are already so many people using it – it is a big community facility.
“It is often hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when such major road works are being planned and then get underway, so huge credit must go to the local community for their patience.
“The Blue Banks has always been a busy section of road serving north and west Donegal and now it’ll be known as a busy place for people getting fit or just getting outside.”
Minister McHugh credited Transport Minister Shane Ross and all those in Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Irish Water and the national roads division of Donegal County Council for their vision for the project.
“The team behind the teams of workers included William Diver and the team from BAM whose efficiency and professionalism helped to make this scheme a reality,” Minister McHugh said.
”This stretch of road is about the bigger ambition of linking Letterkenny, with its City region status, to the beauty and tourism of the Wild Atlantic Way.
“We have more road projects on the way – not least the plans for the Letterkenny-Lifford link and the A5 as well as the long awaited Bonagee bypass. I am confident that these projects will once again be as big a success as the Blue Banks.”
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