Browne hits out over transport priorities

DEPUTY James Browne has called on Minister for Transport Shane Ross to prioritise the upgrade of the N11 / M11 in order to alleviate growing traffic congestion between Wexford and Dublin.

Criticising the government’s record, he said, Minister Ross had yet to come forward with a plan to underpin Rosslare Europort, which will become even more important in the wake of Brexit.

Deputy Browne made the comments during a special Dáil debate secured by Fianna Fáil on the need for greater investment in transport infrastructure.

‘ There has been a significant increase in congestion along the N11/M11 in recent years and all indicators are that this problem will escalate in the months ahead as more commuters take to the roads. The congestion is having an adverse impact on people’s quality of life and is harming mental health, family life and economic well-being,’ said the Deputy.

‘ Traffic congestion is a serious issue which needs to be tackled. Minister Ross has failed to come forward with any sort of a plan to tackle the issue. There is a severe infrastructural deficit between Dublin and Wexford and Government is simply failing to come forward with proposals to address this,’ he said.

‘ Transport Infrastructure Ireland have highlighted that a third lane is badly needed on the N11 / M11 roadway to tackle the growing congestion problem.

‘ They have outlined that any delay in investing in road improvements will constrain growth and hinder productivity. This is a serious problem and it’s clear that the lack of transport infrastructure will harm Wexford’s economy in the years ahead unless corrective action is taken.

‘ The only viable means to get our perishable goods to the continent following Brexit will be via Rosslare Europort. Despite this we haven’t seen the Government come forward with any plan to invest in Rosslare Europort to help the facility deal with the fallout from Brexit.

‘Minister Ross hasn’t even stepped in to provide certainty over the future of the Dublin - Rosslare Europort rail line.’