Waterford orbital bridge
Deputy Matt Shanahan sought an update on the long-delayed Waterford orbital bridge and related regional projects. The Taoiseach said he did not have an update immediately but would follow up and reply directly.
Can the Taoiseach update the House on the proposed Waterford orbital bridge? It is to be located downstream of the city in the vicinity of Maypark, Ardkeen and University Hospital Waterford, UHW. As he will doubtless not have forgotten, the region has been waiting for more than a decade to advance this last vital piece of the outer ring road of the city. A number of regional priorities have been stuck for the past decade, not least the plans at UHW, our own university, the airport, and the N24 and N25. The bridge will dramatically improve access from UHW, particularly for blue-light transfer times from Wexford and south Kilkenny. It will curb traffic growth in the city centre, which is once again out of control. It will strengthen sustainable and active travel in the region and unlock and improve the development of the North Quays. Will the Taoiseach commit Government to advancing plans for this vital bridge infrastructure in Waterford?
