Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

After the Minister's good news for Limerick, we will all be seeking roads, which is exactly why I am here. I raise the need for the completion of the Bandon southern relief road. It has been 30 years in the making and it makes complete sense in the context of the town's sustainability and viability. The Minister may have seen the "Eco Eye" programme last week on which Clonakilty was featured. Clonakilty, my home town, is held up as a success story. The reason for that success is that Clonakilty has a southern relief road, which has allowed incredible public realm work to be carried out within the town, allowing for wider footpaths and big open spaces. The people of Clonakilty have taken back public spaces within the town and this has led to higher footfall in shops and much greater vibrancy within the town.

It is a model for success and Bandon is seeking exactly the same initiative. There is a partial southern relief road there and we are seeking its completion. Bandon can follow Clonakilty and take back those public spaces for its people so that they can have wider footpaths, greater pedestrian access and increased footfall in the town in order that the businesses and the town can be vibrant and flourish. I ask the Minister to give his full commitment to the completion of the Bandon southern relief road.

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