Construction will begin this year should terms be accepted by the end of this month.

Fine Gael committed to the ambulance service when the A&E at Roscommon Hospital was closed 13 years ago.

The junction has been the scene of a number of accidents in recent years.

It follows speculation 52 asylum-seekers or refugees would be accommodated in 13 apartments in the town.

The local authority will now refurbish the houses and let them out as social homes.

Roadworks at the junction will take place Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm.

The scheme aims to restore 20 per cent of the EU’s land and sea by 2030, and all ecosystems by 2050.

She said a cross-Departmental approach was needed to support rural communities who welcome new arrivals.