The N2 Dublin to Derry route is a national primary road linking Dublin to Northern Ireland and the north west of the country, passing through the towns of Slane and Ardee, and bypassing Carrickmacross, Castleblayney and Monaghan before becoming the A5 as it passes through Northern Ireland.

In March 2007 the Chancellor of the UK Exchequer and the Taoiseach announced a major new roads programme that included the A5 Western Transport Corridor from Aughnacloy to Derry (A5 WTC). This major infrastructural project aims to upgrade over 85km of the A5 route in Northern Ireland to dual carriageway standard. Monaghan County Council is also working on a scheme to upgrade 28km of the N2 between Clontibret and the Northern Ireland Border.

Along with the other improvements planned for the N2/A5 route, the proposed N2 Ardee to Castleblayney Scheme will significantly improve transport connectivity and provide more efficient access to other strategic national roads such as the N33/M1, N52 and N53.