Smyth calls for N2 to be upgraded to motorway status

Preliminary design and planning to begin as soon as possible
Fianna Fáil TD for Monaghan – Cavan Niamh Smyth TD says upgrade works need to be expedited along the dangerous section on the N2 and that motorway status is needed.
Commenting Deputy Niamh Smyth said, “This is a notoriously dangerous stretch of road which has sadly claimed the lives of too many people. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has finally committed to providing additional funding to develop the recommendation for an online upgrade of the N2 from North of Ardee to South of Castleblayney bypass following another tragedy on this route at Aclint Bridge only last week and a damning report.”
“A recent report showed found that between 2013 and 2016 there were 25 fatalities on County Monaghan roads of which 13 were on the N2.  The report also found that 73 percent of all collisions on the N2 were as a result of head-on collisions. This road is treacherous. From speaking with officials I understand the preliminary design and planning will begin as soon as possible. It will be a project between Monaghan and Louth County Councils and in the coming weeks the TII will meet with both councils to work out the logistics of these works which is estimated could cost in the region of €88 million on the Monaghan side alone.”
Deputy Smyth concluded, “As part of this announcement it has also been confirmed by TII that they will also discuss with Monaghan County Council the ‘reactivating the N2 Clontibret to the Border Scheme. As many people will know funding for Phase 3 of the N2 Corracrin to Emyvale Scheme was announced in May. Whether the A5 works will run simultaneously with this project, remains to be seen. I will be writing to the Minister again on the N2 upgrade to ensure that works are expedited, carried out to the highest standard and I will also be calling for motorway status to be considered. When we are spending this level of taxpayer’s money, it is so important we get it right.”