Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I try not to be parochial, but I have always said that I see great merit in the potential for this particular route. It would be economically and environmentally a very positive move. It would certainly help to free up the M50 even further and would be of great benefit economically, especially as it would link all the major radial routes. I see great potential in this, but it was not included in the NDP because the work was not done on it. The programme for Government states we will continue to leave it open as an option, and it certainly will have to be considered when we are reviewing the road projects after this NDP expires.

It is not a great secret that the Green Party does not favour any kind of road development. Its members feel we currently have a sufficient amount of roads, and they are entitled to that particular belief. The Government decision on this will be made at the appropriate time and based on the wider economic and environmental issues that give rise to it.

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