Transport Minister opens first section of multi-million euro N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge Road Project.

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien TD today (Thurs. March 26th) officially opened the first section of the new N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge Road Project which includes a bypass of Frenchpark village.  

The overall project comprises the construction of over 33km of new National Primary route, which will replace 35km of the existing N5 which is considered deficient in terms of alignment, safety, and cross-section.  Overall, the project represents an investment by the State of approximately €450 million.

Section 1 (Frenchpark Bypass) represents 7km or approx. 20% of the overall project length and lies entirely within the administrative area of Roscommon County Council.  

Section 1 commences in the townland of Rathkeery, bypassing Frenchpark village south of the existing N5, crossing the R361 Regional Road (Boyle to Williamstown route) and rejoins the existing N5 in the townland of Cashel. 

Section 1 has been completed nineteen months ahead of schedule and its early delivery is predicted to remove up to 70% of through traffic from Frenchpark village including approx. 400 heavy vehicles each day.  

The route will improve road safety, and journey reliability for all road users on the N5 national primary route which is a strategic route from the west / north-west regions to the midlands and eastern regions. 

The project aligns with the objectives of Project Ireland 2040 - National Planning Framework and is specifically listed in the government’s National Development Plan (2021 – 2030).  

Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien TD said: “I welcome the opening of the Frenchpark Bypass, which is the first phase of the larger N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge Project. This bypass will improve journey times and safety for traffic on the N5. For the residents of Frenchpark, it is expected to remove up to 70% of through traffic from their village. This will deliver greater safety in the village, as well as reduced noise and improved air quality.

I wish to congratulate Roscommon County Council, Wills Bros, and TII on the successful delivery of the bypass, and look forward to the completion of the wider N5 project. I would also like to thank the local community in Frenchpark for their patience and cooperation during the construction of this project.

Speaking at the official opening, Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council Cllr. Liam Callaghan said: “I wish to acknowledge the major roles of both the Department of Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland in funding this project.  

“I would also like to acknowledge the continued support of Transport Infrastructure Ireland to Roscommon County Council in improving safety on the National Roads throughout the County.  I look forward to a continuation of the significant improvements that I have witnessed in these areas over recent years,” Cllr. Callaghan remarked.

Chief Executive of Roscommon County Council Shane Tiernan said the opening of the first section of the project “represents 7km or 20% of the overall project length,” adding: This new section gives us a glimpse into how the overall project will enhance the lives of residents and those using the new road, be it for business or social purposes. 

“This new section of national primary road is predicted to remove up to 3,850 vehicles per day including approximately 400 heavy goods vehicles from Frenchpark significantly improving the environment within the village, returning the village to its residents and creating new opportunities for Frenchpark to prosper,” the Chief Executive concluded.
 
Lorcan O’Connor Chief Executive Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) said: “The opening of the N5 Frenchpark Bypass will improve road user safety and enhance the quality of life for residents by removing unnecessary through traffic.  

“TII will work closely with Roscommon County Council and the Department of Transport to bring the entire N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge project to completion next year,“ Mr. O’Connor concluded.

ENDS.

Date Published: 26.03.2026 : Transport Minister opens first section of multi-million euro N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge Road Project Press Release.