Opening of Phase 2 of N9 Waterford to Knocktopher

Date: 22 March 2010

Mr. Noel Dempsey TD, Minister for Transport today opened the latest section of the N9 between Dublin and Waterford, a 23.5km stretch of high quality dual carriageway, between Waterford city bypass and Knocktopher. This section is the 3rd section of the N9 to be completed and will bypass the villages of Knocktopher and Mullinavat.

Speaking today, Minister Dempsey said: “This new section of motorway will carry up to 12,500 vehicles per day and as of today, nearly 84 kms of motorway on the M9 have been delivered. Today’s opening marks the penultimate milestone in the delivery of an entirely new route from Junction 11 on the M7 all the way to the Waterford City Bypass. The final 40km section, from Carlow to Knocktopher is on target for delivery later this year.”

When the final section is completed, it will be possible to travel from the M7/M50 Red Cow junction to Waterford City in approximately 90 minutes – an unheard of journey time just a few short years ago.

The Minister continued: “Since October last year, we will have opened over 130 kms of motorway and dual carriageways across the country. This includes the N25 Waterford City Bypass, which links up with the section of new motorway we are standing on here today. It has undoubtedly already brought significant benefits to the people of South Kilkenny, Waterford City and County.”

More than €1.4 billion will be spent this year on enhancements to national and regional and local road infrastructure. This level of investment provides a much-needed fiscal stimulus around the country and it also helps maintain thousands of jobs.

The Minister concluded: “Safety has to be to the fore on our roads. As the Easter holiday period fast approaches, it is comforting to note that the awful death toll and serious life altering injuries resulting from traffic collisions is reducing. I want to make a special request of everyone here today. Please reduce your speed, always wear a seatbelt and please don’t even consider drinking and driving – I hope the more this is repeated the more the message will get through to those of us who believe it can’t happen to them. But it does.”