THE Government appears to be abandoning the development of the Northern Distributor Road, Senator Paul Gavan has claimed.

Minister of State at the Department of Transport Hildegarde Naughton appeared before the Seanad last week and while raising a number of issues regarding transport around Limerick, Senator Gavan included the Northern Distributor Road.

“This is a key element of infrastructure for Limerick city. Right now we have serious traffic congestion at the Mackey roundabout.

“We have serious problems across the University of Limerick campus. At its peak level of busyness, it can take up to 45 minutes to get from the back of the campus to the front gates.

“We have massive traffic issues across Corbally, all of which would be relieved by the Northern Distributor Road.

“Unfortunately, the senior Minister has set his face against this road being developed. It is not mentioned in the national development plan.”

When replying to him, Ms Naughton spoke on a number of other matters but not about the Northern Distributor Road, to the disappointment of the Sinn Féin representative.

“Of most concern is that there is no mention of the Northern Distributor Road, which is further confirmation that the Government has abandoned a key project in Limerick’s infrastructure,” he claimed.

Deputy Naughton did urge people to engage in consultation regarding transport infrastructure in the region.

“Transport investment in Limerick and all other cities will be guided by their respective metropolitan area transport strategies,” she said.

“This is evidence-based transport planning, is in line with international best practice and will allow our cities to grow in a sustainable and compact manner.”

The Galway deputy added that the implementation of the Limerick-Shannon metropolitan area transport strategy would facilitate the sustainable development of the area and the delivery of associated transport investment.

“The NTA will soon undertake a second round of public consultation on a revised draft strategy,” she said.

“Once the public have had their say, it is intended to finalise the strategy. I encourage everyone to take part in that consultation process, given that this strategy will outline the vision for the Limerick-Shannon metropolitan area for the next 20 years.”

By Owen Ryan