€1.5m earmarked for improvement works on N55 in Glasson

Funding of €1.5m has been allocated for improvement works on the N55 Glasson to Lissoy road as part of an overall National Roads funding announcement today (Tuesday) which will see almost €11m being allocated for the national roads network across Westmeath.

The allocations are part of an overall package of funding amounting to over €1.5 billion which was announced by the Minister for Transport for the roads network across the country, with Westmeath set to receive an additional €14,896,525 for various maintenance and improvement works to regional and local roads.

Over ten projects across the county will benefit from the €10,930,000 in funding announced today for the national road network in Westmeath. These include an allocation of €300,000 for the N55 Ballykeeran Bypass, and €6m in funding for an upgrade of the N4 Mullingar to Longford national route.

Meanwhile, the regional and local roads funding strand also announced today includes allocations of €100,000 each for a road raising project at Golden Island and works to the Athlone Railway Link Phase 2, while Phase 4/5 of the realignment works on the R390 Road at Walderstown is to receive €75,000 in funding.

The national roads funding announcement has been welcomed by Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and Westmeath Fine Gael TD, Peter Burke, who said it is “a clear vote of confidence in our county and its future.” He added that investing in roads” isn’t just about infrastructure - it’s about connecting communities, supporting jobs, and strengthening local enterprise right across the Midlands.”

The Minister added that strong transport links “are critical to attracting investment, supporting tourism and ensuring that counties like Westmeath continue to grow and thrive” and pledged to continue working to ensure that Westmeath receives “the infrastructure investment it deserves” so that local communities and businesses can continue to prosper.

Local Minister for State, Robert Troy also welcomed the overall roads funding package for Westmeath, and said it would make “a real difference” in communities right across the county allowing “safer roads and more efficient journeys.” He added that he was “particularly pleased” to see funding being advanced for the Glasson to Tubberclair pavement project and said it was “critical from a road safety point of view” and would provide safe access to amenities in the area for a wide variety of road users.