N11-M11 improvement scheme
Deputy Brady urges the Government to fast-track the N11-M11 improvement scheme, citing gridlock, possible bypass options and the need for public transport and jobs. The Taoiseach says the project will be looked at but it is premature to promise fast-tracking before route selection and planning permission.
Wicklow County Council in conjunction with Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is progressing the N11-M11 improvement scheme. The second round of public consultation was held yesterday where a number of corridor options were put forward. Interestingly, some of those options include bypassing the Glen of the Downs and dedicated bus lanes. Currently the N11 is a car park. Some 70,000 vehicles use the road every day and they are gridlocked. We need action on this. It is interesting to hear the Green Party shoot this down already without scrutinising the options that are being put forward. Do they expect the people of Wicklow to jump on the back of a wolf and get into the city centre? There are no local jobs in Wicklow. The Taoiseach has said that this scheme may or may not happen. If it does happen, we will not see the soil being turned until 2027 at the earliest.
Comment on this
This scheme needs to be fast-tracked and we need a commitment from the Government that it will take place.
Comment on this
We also need public transport and local jobs. Can we get a commitment that the Taoiseach will look at this and fast-track the project?
Comment on this
I can give the Deputy a commitment that we will look at it. I am not in a position to give him a commitment today about fast-tracking it. We have a roads programme and prioritising one project means de-prioritising another. We have to always bear that in mind. This project does not even have a route yet, or planning permission. It would seem to be premature to make that sort of commitment today.