Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I believe this project has to be in the NDP because it is that important from a regional point of view. It is not even in my own constituency but it is very important for the south-west region and for the economic corridor between Cork city and Tralee. I know it is not a road the Minister would travel often but a hell of a lot of my constituents travel that road every day to work in Cork city. Cork is the main economic centre of the southern economy and many of us depend on Cork for employment, income, healthcare, education and many other things.

The traffic count on that road is enormous. My colleague, Deputy Creed, is also present and will speak on the matter. It is unbelievable that this project is not in the national development plan. While I welcome the improvement measures at some of those very dangerous junctions as it is a very fast section of road, those are short-term measures and what we need is a new road in this area. What has highlighted that need more than anything is the fantastic new section from Baile Bhuirne to Macroom but the next section needs to be completed. It would be a massive investment for many future generations.

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