Minister forced into U-turn on bypass opening

THE Government has been criticised for attempting to defer the opening of a new bypass in Co Kildare to protect Christmas trade at local businesses, despite warnings in a European road safety report about the current route.

Transport Minister Noel Dempsey was yesterday forced to do a U-turn on his earlier decision to put off the opening of part of the M9 motorway until after Christmas. The 28km stretch from Kilcullen in Co Kildare to the Carlow bypass will open on Monday as scheduled.

Earlier this week, Mr Dempsey agreed to requests from local TDs because of concerns over the effect it would have on trade, particularly that of a petrol station, on the existing route.