The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar officially opened the final phase of the new N5 dual carriageway from Turlough to Westport this morning.

This final 10km section of the new road that runs from Pheasanthill/Derrylea, Castlebar, to Knockranny, Westport  together with  a 2km single carriageway northern bypass of Westport is now open to the public.

All interchanges and roundabouts associated with the new N5 road are now open.

The 250 million euro investment gives the county its first stretch of dual carriageway.

The Taoiseach is due to visit Mayo University Hospital in Castlebar later this afternoon.

At the cutting of the ribbon for this new piece of road infrastructure, just a short while ago,  – the Taoiseach spoke to Midwest News Editor Teresa O'Malley….

 Hundreds of people gathered in wonderful sunshine this morning for the official opening of the new dual carriageway – that took place about half way between Castlebar and Westport .

They included the Taoiseach and local Oireachtas members, councillors, landowners on whose former land the new road is built, Mayo County council staff, clergy, staff of the contractors Wills BAMS –  and other invited guests.

Nora O’Brien and her son Alan are delighted that what had been their  land  - is now where the new dual carriageway runs.

Nora and Alan spoke to Midwest News about how they were feeling….

Paul Hyland is a Senior Engineer with the National Roads Authority, at Mayo County Council and was the master of ceremonies at today’s event and has overseen the entire project.

The sun to shine was an added bonus for this morning’s ceremony….