Statement from Minister Éamon Ó Cuív about the new Conamara road

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Nuacht

Scríofa ag Eamon Ó Cuív Déardaoin, 10 Nollaig 2009

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Níl leagan aistrithe ar fáil.

Minister Éamon Ó Cuív TD said today that he has invited the Conamara Councillors to meet him on January 11th 2010 to discuss the new road out to Conamara. The Minister said that he wants to meet with the Councillors to express his concerns about this road.

“Although I initiated this project and believe that the road is extremely important, I did so on the clear understanding that the road would be built in a manner that would not separate or divide traditional towns in Conamara. It seems that the opposite has been the case. At present, the main road goes through the centre of the towns, which makes it difficult for those who live south of the road to visit those who live north of it. It is particularly difficult for older people and the very young to cross this major road.

“If a new road were built north of the Conamara towns, the southward traffic would not be heavy at the moment and it would make the situation much easier for those in Cois Fharraige. It would also improve things for those people with houses on the R336. I would be concerned, however, if for environmental reasons it were decided that the new road would cut through the centre of the towns as it would be a most inconvenient and unsatisfactory imposition on people living in the traditional towns west of Na Forbacha.

“I would like to discuss this issue with the Councillors of Conamara so that we can reach an understanding as to what would be acceptable and what would not be acceptable to the public representatives living in Conamara. As the person who initiated this project, as the only Teachta Dála living in Conamara and as Minister for the Gaeltacht and for rural affairs, I believe that I have an obligation to express my concerns to the County Councillors before a final decision is taken regarding this road. I hope that we will have a productive discussion at the meeting on January 11th and that we can reach an understanding that most benefits Conamara.”