Dempsey officially opens M3 Clonee to North of Kells (PPP) Motorway Scheme

Today Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey TD officially opened the M3 Clonee to North of Kells Motorway Scheme. This scheme is the largest single road project ever to be constructed in Ireland. It provides a total of 110 km of new public roads and a further 34km of access roads.

Speaking today, Minister Dempsey said: “This scheme signifies a major investment in the physical infrastructure of the region. The transport corridor that links in the in the north west, Cavan and north Meath with Dublin City is one of the busiest in the country. This new road will provide safer, faster travel for approximately 37,000 vehicles daily, with an average reduction in journey time of approximately 20 minutes for those travelling the length of the scheme.

The M3 road scheme is a key part of the plan to upgrade the overall roads network for the country. It consists of 60km of motorway/dual carriageway from Clonee to the Meath-Cavan Border, a 4km N52 Bypass of Kells, 35km of side roads and 15km of link roads. The route commences at Clonee on the border between Dublin and Meath with link roads to Dunboyne, Dunshaughlin, Navan and Kells and it joins the existing N3 north of Kells near the border between Meath and Cavan.

The Minister concluded: “The delivery of the M3 within budget and two months ahead of schedule underlines again the value of Public Private Partnerships in the efficient and accelerated delivery of vital road infrastructure in Ireland.

While I’m on the subject of roads, even the best roads will not reduce road deaths. At the start of this June Bank Holiday weekend, I want to make a very special appeal to everyone to slow down, to always wear a seatbelt and never ever drink and drive. In particular I would appeal to motorcyclists to wear proper personal protection equipment and wear high visibility jackets. I would also urge walkers to wear reflective jackets too. If we all make a small effort we can make the roads a safer place this weekend.”