Cowen opens new motorway

Taoiseach Brian Cowen has officially opened the final section of the new M8 Cork to Dublin motorway, which will knock up to 45 minutes off journey times.

The new road will bypass traffic blackspots like Durrow and Abbeyleix, however it will cost motorists an extra €1.80 in tolls.

From this evening it will be possible to travel from the centre of Dublin to the centre of Cork in around 2 hours 50 minutes.

Mr Cowen said the direct corridor between Ireland's two main cities will provide enormous economic benefits.