Brennan to push ahead with Cork-Dublin motorway

The Minister for Transport, Seamus Brennan, has announced plans to step up the motorway building programme.

Speaking at the opening of a 10km by-pass of Watergrasshill in north Co Cork, the minister said he is seeking funding from the National Development Finance Agency to construct routes from Cork and Galway to Dublin.

His officials are drafting a Critical Infrastructure (Motorways) Bill to address a range of issues affecting the timeframe and costs involved in the planning, design and construction of roads.

Plans have been announced to publish a clear strategy for transport in Ireland over the next 20 years and possible reform of the National Roads Authority.

It is thought that managing infrastructural projects from now on will also include monthly reports to keep a close watch on progress and costs.