Ibec Mid-West and Kerry has called on all General Election candidates to support key road projects that will make the region a better place to live, work and do business. Completion of the M20 Cork to Limerick and N69 Foynes to Limerick projects must be prioritised to support job creation and the development of the region’s economy.
Ibec Mid-West and Kerry regional director, Sinead Mullins said, “With half a million people living within 10km of the proposed motorway, the crucial M20 Cork-Limerick project needs to be urgently progressed. If delivered, this project can support economic recovery in the entire South-West and Mid-West regions and will underpin the regional contribution to the national economy. All candidates need to publically get behind this vital project which will be a significant advance in developing an effective Atlantic Corridor.”
She continued, “The lack of a motorway is damaging connectivity and the competitiveness of the region, while broadening the divide between Dublin and the regions. The proposed mid-term review of the Capital Investment Plan later this year should be used to channel windfall corporate tax gains to essential projects such as the Cork to Limerick M20 motorway. A more ambitious plan for investment with additional road projects in the regions must be a priority for the next government.
“The N69 Foynes to Limerick road upgrade scheme is of huge strategic importance to business in terms of facilitating access and improving connectivity to the region. The route chosen will incorporate the much needed Adare Bypass which will address identified bottleneck and connectivity issues in the region. The upgrade will also greatly enhance accessibility to Kerry for both business and tourism. It is imperative that this essential piece of road infrastructure progresses to planning without delay. The necessary funding must be made available to deliver the project in the shortest possible timescale.
“We are calling on all general election candidates to declare their full support for these capital investment projects. A concerted effort is needed to ensure the Mid-West and Kerry region is equipped with the road network required to begin a new phase of economic development.”
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.