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04 Mar 2026
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04 Mar 2026
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Senator Mark Duffy confirms that the first phase of the N5 Ballaghadereen to Scramoge Road project will open in the coming weeks. Credit: Gerry Faughnan.
Mayo Senator Mark Duffy has confirmed the first phase of the long-awaited N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge Road project is set to open in the coming weeks, delivering a significant boost for motorists travelling to and from Mayo.
Senator Duffy described the development as a major milestone in a €450 million investment in the national road network.
The initial phase comprises a 7km stretch of new roadway that will bypass Frenchpark, with the full 34km route bypassing the towns of Frenchpark, Bellanagare, Tulsk and Strokestown in Co Roscommon — communities well known to many Mayo motorists who regularly travel the route east.
Describing the development as “very welcome news for Mayo commuters”, Senator Duffy said the project will drastically improve road safety and reduce journey times between Mayo and Dublin.
“It is a 34km stretch which will bypass many of the towns along Roscommon that Mayo commuters will be familiar with travelling through,” he said. “The full project will be completed next year but this first phase is very exciting news as it will significantly improve road safety and indeed connectivity from Mayo to Dublin.”
READ MORE: Mayo IFA meeting cancelled as Bord Bia sit-in ends and governance review announced
He added that while the full project is due to open next year, the completion of the first section signals the beginning of a new era for motorists in the west.
“It’s the end of an era for many Mayo passengers [...] It’s great to see that this project is progressing well, and I look forward to seeing the first phase opening in the very near future.”
The senator also paid tribute to Wills Bros, the Mayo-based contractors delivering the scheme.
“I would also like to acknowledge the work of Wills brothers, who are the Mayo-based contractors delivering this substantial investment in road infrastructure for the West,” he said.
The N5 upgrade is regarded as a key infrastructure project for the region, aimed at improving connectivity, safety, and supporting economic growth across Mayo and the wider west.
READ MORE: New active travel plans for Mayo town enters public consultation phase
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