Eight routes under consideration for motorway

By Dan Walsh

Huge concerns are simmering across south Wexford as Wexford County Council commenced a  public consultation process on the proposed N11/N25 Oylegate to Rosslare Harbour Scheme that has been extended until August 3rd and offers an opportunity for members of the public to voice their opinions and to contribute to the overall development of the project.

Various debates have been aired on local radio with most concerns been fuelled by the option of eight potential routes under consideration for the new motorway and no announcement yet of the preferred route.

A public meeting is planned for Glynn Community Centre this Thursday night at 7.30 pm and the public are invited to attend in social distancing to raise their concerns and objections and a document will be submitted to Wexford County Council. Local Cllr Garry Laffan, Vice-Chairman of Wexford County Council, is representing the concerned parties in this area on the western side of the River Slaney.

Another public meeting is planned for Piercestown Community Centre on Monday, July 13th at 7.30 pm where concerns for people living in that community affected by the motorway plans will be addressed. Social distancing will apply but it is hoped to have representatives from as many households as possible.

Speaking at the recent meeting of Wexford County Council, incoming Chairman Cllr Ger Carthy said; “This is almost 21 years going on. We need to know if this is going ahead and we need a date for when the route will be chosen.”

Cllr Lisa McDonald had concerns about residents living close to the identified routes. “In 2004 a preferred route was chosen and a number of houses in the preferred corridor were essentially sterilised. The owners can’t sell them,” she stated.

Cllr Jim Moore said; “if we don’t start here now, we’ll be back here again in ten years’ time having the same discussion.”

Director of Service at Wexford County Council, Eamonn Hore, said, “Rosslare Europort has become increasingly busy over the last few years, resulting in increased pressure on the infrastructure serving the Port and communities across south Wexford. This scheme aims to address this by upgrading the transport corridor from the current M11 motorway to Rosslare Harbour, resulting in safer, easier access.”

“We want to hear the views of the public with regards to the proposed scheme options. With the current restrictions on large gatherings in place due to Covid-19, we cannot hold an information session, as we would during normal times. However, the public will be able to express their views and have direct contact with the project team via phone conversations, as well as on-line and email services” he concluded.