Dublin-Waterford route gets green light despite Harney doubts

A LONG-AWAITED improved road from Waterford to Dublin is to be built as promised, despite the reservations of Tánaiste Mary Harney, the Government has confirmed.

Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has told Ms Harney despite her concerns about the cost and viability of a dual carriageway between the two hubs, the new 107km route is getting the green light.

Ms Harney angered business leaders in Waterford last month and caused uproar within the Progressive Democrats locally when she wrote to Mr Brennan saying that upgrading the existing route might be a better option.

The statement from Mr Brennan removes all doubt about the €130 million dual carriageway route being built and clears the way for work to begin, according to local chamber of commerce president Bobby O’Keeffe.

“We hope now everyone will just get on with the work that needs to be done. This is the only way for the roadway structure to develop properly in this region,” he said.

Local PD councillor and former Mayor of Waterford Cllr Oliver Clery also welcomed the statement, saying their leader now endorses the opinion of the NRA outlined by the minister that the route should go ahead.

“We feel that this is the end of the road on this now and the Tánaiste has endorsed the minister’s opinion on it. The people of Waterford now know our commitment to the city,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Waterford branch of the Green Party has questioned the viability of the project.

Brendan McCann said that the planned motorway is already out of date and will concentrate development in Dublin, rather than in the regions.

“Motorways generally help centres which are big already, the experience in Ireland and internationally shows us.

“Industries will just continue to locate in large cities,” Mr McCann warned.

“The greater Dublin region will simply expand and places like Carlow, Kilkenny and Waterford may just become feeder towns for Dublin,” he said.