John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I agree with Senator McDowell's argument on the M50. I would not necessarily agree with building new motorways but there is an inescapable argument for a new orbital route for Dublin city. The Taoiseach has referred to it on several occasions but no concrete plans have emerged. I would like to see it pursued as a matter of urgency. The M50 is no longer a ring-road for Dublin city and is used more for local access to suburbs. Senator Wilson referred to the volumes of traffic using the M50 on a daily basis.

The sod was turned at Mullinavat recently on the inter-urban route between Waterford and Dublin. It is a positive development and I look forward to its speedy completion. However, the traffic situation in New Ross is appalling. When I was elected to Kilkenny County Council in 1999, I was informed by the NRA and the Department that a bypass would be completed by 2006. I learned from Mr. Barry and the NRA the week before last that it is still not even at the stage of the lands being purchased for the route. It is a matter of urgency. I know of no other town that suffers as much traffic congestion as New Ross. Tailbacks of several miles exist every evening on the N25.