Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for attending personally to address this issue. His doing so is greatly appreciated because it is an issue of significant importance, not only to the residents of Kildare, including south Kildare, but also to those residents and businesses in the south of the country. The road in question is the main artery. As Deputy Lawlor stated, it is the second busiest road in the country after the M50.

My constituents in Kildare South, including commuters from Newbridge, Athy, Kildare, Rathangan and beyond, are greatly affected by having to sit in traffic at the spot in question. They greatly appreciate the €100 million investment in Newlands Cross in that this has made part of their journey easier. However, the solving of the problem at Newlands Cross has led to further congestion down the line. There are three lanes as far as the big ball at Naas, from where there are two lanes. Those commuting from Dublin to Cork and Limerick will be very aware of this. Traffic slows to a crawl until one gets beyond Newbridge. That is why the investment is crucial.

Those affected, who must sit in traffic, include constituents of mine who are rushing home to get their children who have spent a long day in child care, in addition to business representatives and delivery staff. There are economic, social and national arguments for securing road funding. It is very badly needed. From the big ball, we need three lanes all the way to the M7-M9 junction, in addition to an upgrade to the junction at No. 10, or the Bundle of Sticks, as it is known locally.

To put the congestion in context, it is the equivalent of 42 vehicles sitting in traffic for 24 hours per day for 30 years. As the country recovers and as we get more people back to work, it will only increase. The problem is a function of recovery. The increase in the number on the roads is a good problem to have in that so many people are back to work. However, as road projects go, the one in question is really important. We got planning permission at the end of last year, and now we need funding committed to it. The project has the full backing of the Garda because there is a significant safety element, as raised during the recent oral hearings.

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