SPEECH BY CLLR. RICHARD BUTLER,
CATHAOIRLEACH OF LIMERICK COUNTY COUNCIL
AT OFFICIAL OPENING OF MOTORWAY ON TUESDAY 28TH SEPT 2010
“Minister, Fellow Elected Representatives, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is my privilege and pleasure today on this occasion to represent Limerick County Council and the Mid West National Road Design office who have been involved in the construction of this section of the M7.
It is heartening to see that despite the current fiscal constraints faced by this country that we are still continuing to complete important infrastructure projects throughout the country.
The Mid West is no exception as we have seen today with the completion of this project and the completion of the landmark Limerick Tunnel project earlier this Summer.
This section of motorway will bring a range of significant benefits, both to the local communities concerned and the country as a whole.
Indeed, it will create immediate benefits, especially for drivers of commercial and heavy vehicles.
This 38 kilometre section of motorway improves connectivity between Dublin and the Mid West Region and undoubtedly will assist in the economic development of the Mid West Region.
As Cathaoirleach of the Limerick County Development Board, this is something I very much welcome.
The completion of work on this project also will be welcomed by motorists throughout the region as it will bypass numerous traffic bottle necks and vastly improve commuting time for users.
Of course, the opening of this section of motorway will make a considerable difference to those living in Daly’s Cross and Birdhill, and the other villages and communities that are bypassed by the road scheme.
The significant reduction in journey times for traffic will make Limerick a more competitive location for foreign direct investment.
Direct access to the country’s capital and the East coast in general has never been so good and I look forward to this region’s business community reaping the benefits of this.
The benefits for tourism are also considerable as the improved access to the region coupled with a dramatic increase in the numbers of people holidaying at home will encourage greater numbers of people to visit Limerick and surrounding counties.
This is a road of which everyone associated with its development can be proud.
I would like to thank all those involved with the design and construction of this vital piece of infrastructure.
This includes the designers, the engineers, and the many contractors and their employees.
In particular, I would like to acknowledge the hard work of Limerick County Council and the staff of the Mid West National Road Design office.
It should also be acknowledged that a large-scale project such as this affects many thousands of people.
Therefore, I would like to thank the members of the public, both local residents and those who have travelled in this area during the construction period for their patience and cooperation.
Finally, I would urge all those who use this motorway to drive with due care and attention and with respect for other road users.
Go raibh mile maith agaibh.”
CLLR. RICHARD BUTLER
CATHAOIRLEACH OF LIMERICK COUNTY COUNCIL
