Lack of government ambition for connecting the South East – Kathleen Funchion MEP
4 April 2025
Sinn Féin MEP for Ireland South, Kathleen Funchion, has called for more ambition upon the publication of the government’s road investment plan for 2025.
The investment plan has excluded the N24 from Waterford to Cahir, the N25 from Waterford to Glenmore, upgrades to the N11 from Wexford to Dublin, and other important infrastructure projects outlined in the National Development Plan that would increase East-West connectivity and deliver safer roads.
Speaking from Kilkenny, Funchion said:
“Once again, we see a setback as the long promised N24 road development from Waterford to Cahir is again put on the back burner by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
“Based on the treatment up to this point, the upcoming review of the National Development Plan inspires more fear than hope in terms of investment for Ireland South and particularly those roads connecting the South East to Cork and Limerick.
“The government has allocated just 2.7% of the available funding for new roads to the South East, including all of County Tipperary. Of the four projects in the National Development plan targeting the South East, only one has been granted funding, and this is a link to Rosslare port, not the rest of the island.
“I welcome the increase in funding for road infrastructure, especially across Munster as the much needed links between Cork and Limerick are set to be improved, however, it is equally important to ensure that the South East has safe and fast connections to support East – West travel.
“The large number of people, from commuters and holiday makers to lorry drivers and students who rely on road connection from the South East to Munster have again been let down by the government.”
