James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I asked the Minister before about the M50. Are we wasting our time with these upgrades and all the hassle we have caused people? If we do not build an outer route, it will be chock-a-block again in five years. Deputy Varadkar told me that such a study has been carried out and that in five or six years the road will be chock-a-block again. I do not question the Minister's commitment to it, but it is not part of Transport 21 and as this port at Bremore is going ahead, does he not agree it is totally unfair to the people of Balbriggan to be subjected to the amount of traffic that will be involved? I support this port and I recognise there is a tremendous opportunity for development in the community if it goes ahead, but the road is an integral part of it. One part cannot go ahead without the other. Will the Minister use his influence to ensure this becomes a priority project?

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