An upgrade of the N5 National Primary route between Ballaghaderreen and Scramoge has been under consideration since the mid 2000s. This stretch of road passes through the towns of Frenchpark, Bellanagare, Tulsk and Strokestown.

In 2007 a Public Consultation event presented the Emerging Preferred Route Corridor for the project (known previously as the “N5 Strategic Corridor”) which led to the selection of a Preferred Route Corridor. The project was suspended, due to budgetary constraints, following the completion of the Route Selection process. The further development of the project was re-activated in 2014 with the appointment by Roscommon County Council of Roughan & O’Donovan - AECOM Alliance in order to progress the proposed road development through the Design and Statutory Planning Process phases. There were further consultations, including meetings with landowners, in 2015 and 2016 during the development of the proposed road development.

Roscommon County Council has now made the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) and submitted it for confirmation to An Bord Pleanála. The Council has also submitted the proposed road development.