Cullen Opens N30 Enniscorthy/Clonroche Road

Date: 07 April 2006

"Project on budget & on time"

Transport Minister, Martin Cullen, T.D. today (Thursday, 6th April 2006) travelled to County Wexford where he officially opened the N30 Enniscorthy / Clonroche road, another key project under Transport 21. The project comprises 5.3km single carriageway, one under-bridge, one over-bridge, drainage culverts, agricultural underpasses and approximately 1.4km of re-aligned side roads and link roads. The scheme, which commenced in October 2004 is completed on time and, at a cost of €21 million is on budget.

Speaking at the official opening, Minister Cullen said: "Projects such as this deliver significant benefits in terms of improvements in road safety, the alleviating of traffic congestion and also to industry in terms of reduced journey times and greater journey certainty.

"The Enniscorthy / Clonroche project will offer a much improved quality of life for local residents and boost the sustainable growth of the area. It will reduce travel times on the N30 and improve access between New Ross and Ennsicorthy. This is yet another transport project that is on budget and on time. At the Northern end of the N30, the N11 has seen major improvements over the last few years. On the Southern end, the N25 links into Waterford, Rosslare and Cork the Cork to Waterford leg forming part of the Atlantic Arc under Transport 21. Work on the N9 and the Waterford Bypass will commence shortly, which will make substantial improvements to our road infrastructure in the South East generally."

Minister Cullen spoke of the high level of investment in our national road network scheme under Transport 21. "Transport 21 is a first for this country. There has never been a ten-year funding plan for capital investment in transport infrastructure. The €34 billion investment for the next ten years by this Government is a clear recognition on the part of the Government that strong and effective transport links are vital to the success of Ireland. This is in tandem with the phenomenal growth in traffic resulting from our recent and continuing exceptional economic performance."

The Minister spoke of the numbers of people killed on our roads. "We all have a part to play in improving road safety. If road users obey the rules of the road, stick within the speed limits, wear their safety belts and don't drink and drive, lives will be saved. The Government, this week has rolled out another 31 penalty points offences, targeting bad driver behaviour. If people obey the rules of the road, they have nothing to fear from penalty points. But, if they don't, they will be punished."

Mr. Peter Malone, Chairman of the National Roads Authority said: "Construction activity in the South East of Ireland is at an all time high with over €70 million being invested in the development of the national road network in County Wexford alone in 2006. Today I am delighted to see this major realignment on the N30 completed on time and within budget and I am pleased to say that construction will commence shortly on the N25 Waterford city bypass. The authority is now well positioned to deliver on the objectives of Transport 21 and this year alone will see the commencement of 14 major schemes comprising 310km of new roadway and the completion of 13 key projects around the country."

ENDS

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