Waterford road project could begin next year

SENIOR design staff involved in the development of the long-awaited Waterford to Kilcullen dual carriageway say they hope to begin the first phase of the 64km route by this time next year.

The prediction comes as the five-day An Bord Pleanála oral hearing into the roads project is expected to come to an end tomorrow. The route of the roads will be finalised pending the outcome of the hearing.

Between 15 and 20 of the 195 objectors to the road plan have made oral submissions to the hearing - among them Michelle Smith de Bruin and the Bennettsbridge Action Group.