New N11 Motorway between Arklow and Rathnew Opens July 13th, 2015
(Press release TII-Transport Infrastructure Ireland:) Dublin, 13 July 2015 - Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Pascal Donohoe TD, was this afternoon (Monday) joined by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin TD, to officially open the N11 Arklow to Rathnew Upgrade scheme, which forms part of the €282 million N7 Newlands Cross/N11 Arklow to Rathnew Public Private Partnership (PPP) scheme.
Speaking this afternoon, Minister Donohoe said: ‘I am very pleased, as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, to officially open the N11 PPP road scheme, which is happening seven weeks ahead of schedule. The new 16km of motorway is non-tolled and will connect the existing Arklow Bypass with the N11 Rathnew/Ashford Bypass. This creates 90km of motorway/dual carriageway between Dublin and Gorey Co. Wexford and is part of a 280km continuous dual carriageway/ motorway between Clogh in Wexford and Belfast. The project also includes the construction of a much needed service area at Gorey, which will provide 24 hour access to the rest and recuperation facilities that road users need when travelling along this stretch.’
Minister Howlin said: ‘This project is an important part of infrastructure on the east coast of Ireland that will significantly improve the safety of this stretch of road. It will boost the economic capacity of counties Wicklow and Wexford and is a very good example of what can be achieved by the public and private sectors working together in partnership. Upgrading the existing national N11 route to motorway standard is an important step forward. Not only is it a new link to our existing motorway network but it will improve safety and operational efficiency and shorten journey times. For business, commuters, tourists and visitors, it will improve connectivity times in the east and to the south east.’
Cormac O’Rourke, Chairman of the National Roads Authority (NRA) said: ‘The Authority welcomes the delivery of much needed improvements along the N11 corridor. We in the NRA believe that the Government’s vision of a radial network of motorways – connected together at the periphery – has the capacity to deliver balanced economic development for the entire country.’
Fred Barry, CEO of the NRA said: ‘Replacing this section of the N11 between Arklow and Rathnew, which is known for its notorious bends, with a modern motorway will offer clear safety benefits for all road users which is good news and to be welcomed.’
Minister Donohoe concluded: ‘Investment in our road network is a key driver of growth and development as the economy recovers. It also enhances the visitor experience for tourists and those considering investment in Ireland. I am pleased to open the final phase of this PPP scheme which I am confident will bring significant benefits to the east and south east region.’