Natasha Newsome Drennan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)

The volume of traffic on this route has increased hugely. For 2024, we are looking at a figure of 15,000. That should be 8,000 or 9,000. This route has hugely exceeded what it was built for. There are also 11 local road junctions along this road now. This road was not built for those. We have what is the main route for Wexford traffic coming in to go to the hospitals. More than 80 people have died in the last 40 years. This is an urgent road project. Kilkenny County Council has more than done its job; now we need funding for it. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has committed to carry out a review of the road layout at particular junctions, which I have spoken about, including at the Rhu Glenn, but how is this acceptable? This is urgent.

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