An Bord Pleanala has given the green light to the road development of the N5 between N5 Ballaghaderreen and Scramogue.

Senator Frank Feighan has warmly welcomed the decision to grant the planning permission, who says the project involves constructing almost 35 kilometres of new carriageway along with the realignment of nearly 15 kilometres of existing roads.

Senator Feighan says that this is a dangerous stretch of road, which is extremely busy, so this work will be welcomed to the many people who use it.

Meanwhile Mayo County Council has welcomed today’s decision by An Bord Pleanala to approve the road development of the N5 between Ballaghaderreen and Scramoge, Co. Roscommon.

Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, Peter Hynes, said it is important for Co. Mayo and the West of Ireland and said “It is vitally important to improve the road network connecting the east of the country with the west and the improvements planned for the N5 is a critical piece of infrastructure.“It is critical for the ongoing economic, social and tourism development of Mayo that a high quality road network links us to the wider western region and to the rest of the national route network which serves the entire country.I would like to thank all citizens who made a submission to An Bord Pleanala in support of the upgrade works.”

The Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Blackie Gavin, also welcomed the news as vital for the county saying It is important to keep Mayo connected with the rest of the country and the proposed N5 upgrades will do just that. It will also make the travel to and from the eastern part of the country smoother and easier.”