N17-N18 GORT TO TUAM PPP MOTORWAY

The combined N17 /N18 Gort to Tuam PPP scheme is 57 km in length and commences at the northern extremity of the N18 Gort Crusheen scheme, which is currently under construction.

This road will replace the existing single carriage-way road, much of which falls below NRA standard in terms of geometry, junction frequency, junction spacing and overtaking opportunities. It is expected that the introduction of the proposed road, with the 120 kph speed limit and superior standard, will result in significant improvements to safety and journey times.

The project falls under the requirements of Annex I of the EIA Directive 97/11/CE (amended by Directive 2003/35/EC), and is subject of a full Environmental Impact Assessment, including public consultation. Detailed analysis of the EIA process and the project impact and mitigation measures will be performed during appraisal, including assessment of impact on Natura 2000 sites and compliance to Habitats and Birds Directives.

The project is being procured as a Public Private Partnership. The PPP contract will be awarded under the competitive dialogue procedure applicable to public works contracts under EU Directive 2004/18/EC. The tender was published in the EU Journal on the 3rd of February 2009 (ref. 2009/S22-031253).