Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady has said that it is critically important that the long-awaited major upgrade of the N11/M11 is included in the Department of Transport’s sectoral plan arising from the review of the National Development Plan (NDP). It was confirmed to Deputy Brady that the Department of Transport sectoral Plan will be published this month.
Deputy Brady said:
“The N11/M11 road upgrade was included in the National Development Plan 2021–2030. Yet in 2022, the Government pulled its funding, despite serious warnings from the National Road Safety Authority and even though Wicklow’s population has grown massively in recent years. This decision has had real and damaging consequences for commuters, families, and businesses across the county.
“Funding for the upgrade had been cut for ideological reasons by Minister Eamon Ryan, even though the need for this project could not be clearer. As part of the recent review of the National Development Plan, each Government department was required to draw up detailed sectoral plans. At last week’s meeting of the Public Accounts Committee, I had it confirmed directly by the Secretary General of the Department of Transport that the transport sectoral plan will be published before the end of November.
“I have repeatedly called on the Minister for Transport to ensure that the N11/M11 upgrade is reinstated in the NDP and that the necessary funding is ringfenced to allow this vital project to proceed. This is not a luxury, it is essential infrastructure for Wicklow and the wider region.
“Every day, the tailbacks on the N11/M11 are getting longer and longer. Commuters face severe delays morning and evening. People are being forced to commute out of the county for work and education due to a lack of local job opportunities, and this long-distance travel is putting immense pressure on the road network. The congestion is now undermining quality of life and harming the economic potential of our county.
“The upgrade of the N11/M11 is urgently needed. It must be included in the Department’s sectoral plan, and the Government must commit to the funding required and clear timeframe to finally deliver it. The people of Wicklow simply cannot afford any more delays.” Ends