Speaking after the meeting Teachta Brady said “I’m delighted that the long awaited meeting with the Minister for Transport Shane Ross has finally taken place. A strong delegation of representatives from West Wicklow met with the Minister, representatives from Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Road Safety Authority in the Dáil on Wednesday.”
“Bitter disappointment was expressed by all present that funding for the critical N81 upgrade scheme was pulled and the project wasn’t included in the Governments Capital Investment Plan. I put forward the safety issues and outlined that the N81 is one of the most dangerous roads in the State. I also showed how the development of West Wicklow is being stifled by the failure to progress the scheme.”
“The Cathaoirleach of the Municipal District Vincent Blake, members of the action group along with representatives from Blessington and Hollywood Fourms put forward strong arguments also.”
Teachta Brady continued “The Minister listened to the arguments and has committed to getting an up to date safety report along with getting estimated current costings for the scheme. He is also going to meet with representatives in West Wicklow in July. It is intended to show him and his officials some of the many problems along the N81.
The Sinn Féin representative for West Wicklow Aidan Kinsella concluded “A petition containing thousands of signatures was also handed over to the Minister. Whist the meeting was constructive, we need action now from the Minister and the Fianna Fáil party. The funding for road construction has been cut by nearly €1b since 2007 Fianna Fáil must now ensure that they prioritise funding for the N81 in the upcoming budget discussions with thei colleagues in Fine Gael.” Ends
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