Humphreys concern over soaring road costs

Labour Transport spokesperson Senator Kevin Humphreys has questioned whether any building projects will be delayed as a result of a reported cost overrun on the planned construction of the N5 Westport to Turlough Road.

It comes after Cabinet today gave the green light the project at a cost of €241m- €71m more than was quoted at the start of the year.

Senator Humphreys commented:

“Just 10 months ago the cost of this road building project was put at around €170m, a figure that was widely quoted at the time.

“But today we hear that approval has finally been granted to start building the dual carriageway from Westport to Turlough at a price tag of €241m.

“That’s an increase of more than 40 per cent.

“I want know what has happened in the past 10 months to cause costs to spiral by €70m- and importantly, will any other planned projects be delayed as a result?

“This Government prides itself on its finance management credentials but this is another example of a cost over-run.

“€70m is not small change and shouldn’t be carelessly thrown about.”