Ministers Howlin and Varadkar told of desperate need for Ring Road
“I have had a number of meetings with Minister Varadkar, most recently with representatives from Athy Business Alliance and with some Athy based Hauliers where the need for the Southern Distributor Route was highlighted again.”
“At the meeting held last night, Minister for Public Expenditure, Brendan Howlin outlined the funding constraints but the hope for Government to be able to deliver a stimulus package in 2014.”
“Minister Varadkar stated his desire to see the project progressed. At present, his roads funding is spent on maintenance and road safety measures. An increase in funding from a stimulus package would give him greater flexibility to send the Southern Distributor Route to planning.”
“Exiting the Bailout Programme will give us some extra scope over our own finances and while we will need to maintain a strict fiscal policy to correct our finances, there is an acceptance that our economy needs stimulus as well. The Southern Distributor Route is the perfect example of using our resources to improve the economy and lives of the people of Athy and it will continue as my number one priority.”
