Council told no funds available to progress Rath to Kilmoon scheme to next phase

Progress on the long-awaited N2 Rath to Kilmoon Cross improvement scheme on the N2 has ground to a halt with the news that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) will not be progressing the project to Phase 3.

Councillors were shocked to learn at today's meeting of Ashbourne Municipal Council that TII have brought to project to a stop.

Meath County Council has received communication from from TII in which it advised that due to current funding constraints, it is unable to approve the progression of this scheme to the Phase 3 stage. The TII say that once funding from the Government is available, it intends to re-commence the planning and design of this scheme.

Cllr Joe Bonner says this announcement is such a huge shock and a great disappointment.

"This announcement puts a huge question mark over the delivery of the project," he claimed-

"What impact will this announcement have on the thousands of commuters who have to endure the traffic chaos along the existing route twice daily to get to their work ?

"How will this decision impact on the proposed Slane By-pass?," he added.

Cllr Bonner declared that: "This decision has major consequences for the commuters of Meath. When will money be available? The landowners along the route are subject to planning restrictions until the proposed route is delivered. Will these restrictions now be lifted and allow these people to plan for the future?" he asked.