N24 NATIONAL PRIMARY ROUTE
“The N24 Prioritisation Study clearly illustrates the undeniable case for the priority upgrading of the N24 National Primary Route in the NRA’s post-2010 Roads Programme”. So stated Cllr. Paddy O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach of the Regional Authority, following the unanimous adoption by the South-East Regional Authority of the Report at its meeting held on 26th May in Dungarvan.
“The Regional Authority considers the N24 to be one of the key economic infrastructural drivers of the regional economies of the South-East and Mid-West”, said Cllr. O’Callaghan. “The Authority is aware that the focus at present is on completion of the 5 Major Inter-Urban Routes to Dublin. However, it is critically important for the economic well-being of both regions that the Route is clearly prioritised now by the Minister for Transport and National Roads Authority for immediate upgrading in the post-2010 Roads Programme”, continued Cllr. O’Callaghan.
The Regional Authority has long been concerned at the relatively weak economic performance of the South-East. It is performing poorly when compared to other Irish regions under a range of socio-economic headings. The Regional Authority has consistently identified and articulated the region’s overall development needs and investment priorities.
“This Report, whilst clearly making the case for the N24 as a whole, also recognises that certain sections of the route are under much higher levels of congestion and pressure and calls for these to be constructed firstly. These include the Tipperary Bypass, the Clonmel to Cahir Section, the Carrick-on-Suir Bypass and the Mooncoin Bypass”, outlined Cllr. O’Callaghan.
“We in the South-East Regional Authority will be working with our colleagues in the Mid-West and with the six local authorities whose functional areas the route passes through to ensure that this issue receives the proper focus and attention by the Minister for Transport, the Government and the National Roads Authority. We will furthermore be lobbying the Oireachtas members in both Regions to ensure that priority upgrading is given to the N24”, stated Cllr. O’Callaghan.
ENDS.
11/06/2008
