Roads

Roscommon County Councils corporate objective as set out in the Corporate Plan 2009 - 2014 is to Ensure the development of an adequate transport network. The implementation of this objective continued in 2010 with further investment in the road network throughout the county.

The M6 Motorway Scheme from Ballinasloe to Athlone was officially opened by An Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen, T.D. on 23rd July, 2009. The road was formally designated a motorway on 28th August, 2009.

A comprehensive well-functioning roads infrastructure is of critical importance.

1. In the efficient and cost effective movement of persons and freight within and into and out of the country.
2. In the achievement of balanced regional development and the diffusion of employment opportunities
3. In securing the competitiveness of the economy
4. In minimising the adverse effects of transport activities on the environment.

Irelands road network as a whole carries 96% of passenger traffic and 90% of freight traffic, reflecting a reliance on roads which is one of the highest in the EU. The corresponding figures for the EU as a whole are 88% for passenger traffic and 72% for freight traffic. In view of our small land area and dispersed pattern of population settlement and economic activity, the road network is and will continue to be the dominant mode of internal transport in Ireland.

The national roads which account for only 6% of the total road network carry 38% of all road traffic.

Roscommon County Council is active in improving the road network in accordance with the resources being made available.