Ms Dolores Minogue:

I thank the Chairman for the opportunity to speak about the Ardee bypass on behalf of the people of Ardee-mid-Louth. I thank Louth County Council and TII for bringing the bypass to this stage and I welcome the news that there is a commitment to see the project through. I agree with the opening statement. Ardee is congested. It was congested 20 years ago, hence the need for the bypass, which will be needed more than ever if Ardee-mid-Louth is to progress. I strongly disagree with the announcement of a review or what could be a review of one of the largest projects in the history of County Louth.

Traffic congestion in Ardee also has economic and social consequences. We are right in the middle of two of the largest towns in Ireland - Dundalk and Drogheda. When completed, this bypass will have great benefits for traders, as it is anticipated that there will be much more footfall with less traffic congestion. We are also in the middle of a significant spend on Ardee Castle, which will enhance tourism, and the last thing we need is to have a launch and for visitors to be then stuck in endless traffic. The committee and the Department will be well aware that this bypass is needed. I think even the committee will agree that a wait of 20 years is far too long for a small town that is doing everything it can to survive economically and socially. I praise the Ardee Traders and Business Association for all its efforts to make Ardee a great place in which to work, shop and play. These people need some help. This is an opportunity for the committee to get it over the line. We have a duty to ensure this bypass continues for the greater good.

The Ardee bypass is a must-have, not a maybe. It is a long overdue investment in the quality of life of the people of Ardee. It will be of significant value to the health and well-being of the people of town by reducing the extensive carbon and other toxic pollution that results from the major traffic flows using the town at present. Given the Government's carbon efficiency targets, surely we must put the people first and, in this instance, bypass Ardee. The investment in the Ardee bypass must not come down to a rural versus urban trade-off. Rural Ireland demands this investment to add to the economic well-being of Ardee and the wider area. This is an opportunity to put people first in our planning and budget spend proposal. We need to reduce the sense of social exclusion being felt in Ardee because of the continuous traffic problems and minimal public infrastructure. We must see Ardee as an opportunity centre that can develop with the help of a bypass into a vibrant economic hub for rural Louth. I fully understand and support the Townparks Road issue and hope we can find a solution without delay.