Both Mayo County Council and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD have listed out a number of benefits for the county following on from the opening of the new N5 Turlough-Westport road, which was officially opened by the Taoiseach on Thursday, June 15, 2023.
The council stated: "The scheme will bring a range of benefits, including the reduction of traffic congestion in Castlebar and Westport, therefore improving road safety for vulnerable road users in those areas.
"It will offer improved connectivity between the towns of Castlebar, Westport and Ballina and improve the connectivity to other vital roads infrastructure such as the N59, N60 and N84 national routes.
"There are also several environmental benefits to this project which will enhance the environmental quality in both Castlebar and Westport with a reduction in traffic passing through them, thus improving air quality and reducing noise."
Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, speaking at the opening ceremony, also said the road would bring benefits, stating: "The completion of the N5 Westport to Turlough Road project is a significant development for the people of County Mayo and the West, and I am honoured to open it having approved it during my first term as Taoiseach. This €250m project is the single biggest Government investment ever made in Co Mayo.
"This new road will drive investment and employment throughout the county and the western region, as well as making the transport of goods and services more efficient. It will enhance both road safety and the quality of life in the area, by improving accessibility and journey times for people commuting to work and other activities.
"The road will also benefit tourism, opening up new possibilities for people to visit this wonderful county and see new views of the lakes and mountains that make Mayo so special.
"Road projects like this one represent the best work of our local authorities and skilled workers. It shows that when we work together, we can realise the positive vision we have for Ireland."
Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach, Cllr Seamus Weir added: "The new N5 Westport to Turlough Road Project will be a game changer for Mayo in terms of connectivity and road safety", while Kevin Kelly, Chief Executive of MCC stated: "Mayo County Council are very proud to have, through our National Roads Office, played the lead role in delivering this vitally important infrastructure project. Years of planning and work have culminated in today’s official opening of the road, which is sure to bring major long term economic and tourism benefits to the county.
"I would like to thank everyone who has made this project possible, and I would like to give special mention to the landowners and communities who were affected during the construction phase."
Peter Walsh, Chief Executive Transport Infrastructure Ireland stated: "Delivering a safer national road network is a primary objective for Transport Infrastructure Ireland. The N5 Westport to Turlough project will improve safety for all road users as well as provide opportunities to increase public transport offerings throughout the region."
The completed N5 Westport to Turlough Road project opened fully to the public at 1pm on Thursday, June 15th following the official opening ceremony on the roadside, which also saw the road blessed by members of the clergy from different faiths.
