N77 Kilkenny Ring Road Extension Opens to Traffic
Minister for Trade and Commerce, John McGuinness T.D. has officially opened the €34.5m N77 Kilkenny Ring Road Extension, today (Tuesday, 18th December 2007).
John McGuinness T.D., Minister for Trade and Commerce, said, “As the city of Kilkenny continues to grow local business and tourism will directly benefit as a result of improvements to the local road infrastructure. The opening of the N77 Kilkenny Ring Road Extension is another important link, extending the Kilkenny Ring Road from the N10 Carlow Road Roundabout to the N77 Castlecomer Road. This will prove to be of immense value to the future economic growth and development of this thriving city. A total length of just 4km, I am acutely aware of the positive impact this scheme will have in my home city by reducing journey times. In a wider context regional connectivity will also be greatly enhanced. All road users will benefit along with the private, commercial and tourist sectors as a result of improved access along the route coupled with safer road conditions and a better quality of life for city folk.Under Transport 21, the Government’s investment plans for transport will not just benefit Kilkenny but the whole of the Southeast region. The Dublin to Waterford motorway will be completed in 2010. This will significantly aid the movement of people and goods within the region and ensure that Kilkenny City and the Southeast remains competitive into the next decade.”
Peter Malone, Chairman, National Roads Authority commented: “As a growing centre of commerce and tourism the city of Kilkenny will benefit directly from the completion of the N77 Kilkenny Ring Road Extension because it is a key component in allowing for better distribution of national and regional traffic around Kilkenny city. Throughout the country I have seen tremendous benefits brought to towns and cities and for Kilkenny specifically, it will create a safer and more pleasant environment for locals and the thousands of tourists who flock to this historic city. It is important for the NRA to bring quality of life improvements throughout the country by reduced travel times and bringing you closer to family, businesses, and other transportation options. The provision of world-class infrastructure is critical if Ireland is to remain competitive. The NRA, under the Government’s Transport 21 Plan, is committed to improving the national road network serving the southeast resulting in shorter travel times, certainty of journey duration and safer road conditions and ultimately a better future."
The Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2007 – 2013 financed this scheme.
ends
A spokesperson is available for comment:
Sean O’Neill, National Roads Authority, 086 8230600