New motorways - A lot done but questions to answer

THE last piece in the Dublin to Cork motorway jigsaw will fall into place towards the end of next month.

When the completed Portlaoise to Cullahill section is opened the new route will bypass Abbeyleix, Durrow and Cullahill. Though businesses in these towns may suffer it is suggested that the link will cut the journey time between the M50 and Dunkettle considerably – it has been suggested by as much as 45 minutes.

The Dublin to Cork link was included in the National Development Plan 2000-2006 and though it has taken rather longer than was envisaged and, at a cost of €2.6 billion, almost trebled the estimated cost, it is a very welcome achievement.