Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister and welcome today's debate.In terms of Project Ireland 2040 and linking people and transport, Limerick and the mid-west have been far ahead in terms of our plans in this respect. The local authorities in Limerick and Clare are working with Shannon Airport and the Foynes Port Authority. Connectivity is important in the region. We are seeking a bypass of Adare, as the Minister is well aware, and the M20 project, which is at an advanced stage. However, we have a good deal of local transport infrastructure in place. The Coonagh to Knockalisheen bypass road will link Coonagh to Lisnagry on the way to KIllaloe in County Clare. That is important for the development of the region because transport connectivity is vital in the development of businesses. As a result of Brexit, a number of companies are looking to locate in Ireland. Dublin is growing at a particularly fast rate. New roads infrastructure along the Atlantic corridor from Galway to Cork via Limerick will be highly beneficial in attracting companies considering locating in the region, which will create jobs. It is important to place an emphasis on that.

Senator Humphreys referred to some of the problems with Dublin Airport. We have fine airports in Shannon and Cork and if infrastructure was put in place quickly to improve connectivity, the region would be a great counterbalance to the eastern region.

We also have a major plan for the development of Foynes Port. While we have a port in Limerick city, there is also a deep sea port in Foynes. The N69 upgrade and the bypass of Adare are very important projects for the development of Foynes, the second deepest port outside Dublin. This project is vital for the development of the region and it must proceed as soon as possible. Many businesses operate through the port. Transporting goods from Foynes to other parts of the country is hindered by gridlock and a lack of transport infrastructure. Adare is constantly gridlocked, with people spending up to an hour driving through the village, which is not satisfactory.

The mid-west region is working proactively to put fine projects together. The educational institutes have had a major input in that regard and their work together as a unit has been very important for Limerick and the region. Limerick city is the driver of the region. Limerick City and County Council has reached out to Clare and Tipperary local authorities and the local authorities are working together to drive development in the region.

I ask the Minister to consider prioritising some of the projects to which I have referred. Regarding the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Road, I compliment Limerick City and County Council and Clare County Council, the lead authorities for the project. It is vital that this bypass is completed. It is estimated to be completed by 2021 but if it could be completed sooner, it would help the region a great deal in terms of development.