Regional National Development Plan road project updates

Last week the government published its National Development Plan Sectoral Plan setting out a renewed vision for the country’s transport system between 2026–2030.

Over the next five years, the plan is to deliver a transport network that is modern, efficient, and low-carbon, while remaining responsive to the changing needs of communities, industry, and the environment.

A number of Major National Roads Projects, each valued at more than €200 million, are earmarked to enter procurement or construction by 2030 locally. Among these is the N3 Virginia Bypass, approved by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and led by Cavan County Council. The scheme is currently at the Strategic Assessment and Preliminary Business Case stage, with procurement expected to begin in 2028, and construction anticipated to start in 2029.

While no contract has yet been awarded, the project’s cost is estimated in the €250-€500 million range.

Two more significant schemes earmarked for Co Monaghan are also advancing.

The N2 Ardee to South of Castleblayney project, approved by TII and managed by Monaghan County Council, is likewise at the Strategic Assessment and Preliminary Business Case phase. Procurement is expected by 2030, with construction to follow.

The complementary N2 Clontibret to the Border upgrade - also approved by TII and led by Monaghan County Council - is progressing on a similar trajectory. Procurement again is scheduled to commence in 2029, with construction expected by 2030. These projects also carry an estimated cost of €250-€500M.

In addition to the major national roads programme, the National Development Plan also identifies several Strategic Regional Road Projects due to begin construction before 2030. Among these is the R188 Rathkenny realignment in County Cavan, an important component of the Government’s East–West safety improvement measures.

Approved by the Department of Transport and spearheaded by Cavan County Council, the project is currently at the Strategic Assessment and Preliminary Business Case stage.

Procurement is targeted for 2028, with construction planned to commence in 2029.

The estimated cost for the scheme falls between €20 and €50 million.