Munster Express Online

“There is an undeniable case for the priority upgrading of the N24 National Primary Route in the NRA’s post-2010 Roads Programme”, declared Cllr Paddy O’Callaghan, Cathaoirleach of the South-East Regional Authority, following a meeting recently between a delegation, representing the South-East and Mid-West Regional Authorities, and Mr Fred Barry, Chief Executive of the National Roads Authority.

“Our meeting with Mr. Barry was very positive and we presented to him the issues and recommendations made in the South-East Regional Authority’s recently completed N24 Prioritisation Study Report”, said Cllr. O’Callaghan. “I made it clear at the meeting that the N24 is considered by my Regional Authority as one of the key economic infrastructural drivers of the regional economies of the South-East and Mid-West Regions and that it is critically important for the economic well-being of both regions that the Route be prioritised now by the National Roads Authority and Minister for Transport for immediate upgrading in the post-2010 Roads Programme”, added Cllr O’Callaghan.

“The Regional Authority has long been concerned at the relatively weak economic performance of the South-East. It is performing poorly when compared to other Irish regions under a range of socio-economic headings. The Regional Authority has consistently identified and articulated the region’s overall development needs and investment priorities.

“In our discussions, I told Mr. Barry that we should pay special heed to the expressed concerns of the major employers in the two regions, particularly now as we enter an era of difficult economic conditions for business. According to them, the N24 in its current state presents a major obstacle to commercial operations and does not present a progressive image to potential investors coming to Ireland or to the South-East and Mid-West regions.”

“Our meeting with the National Roads Authority is but an initial step to ensure that priority upgrading is given to the N24. My Regional Authority will continue to work with our colleagues in the Mid-West and with the six local authorities whose functional areas the route passes through to ensure that this issue receives the proper focus and attention it deserves”, concluded Cllr O’Callaghan.