Spending cuts need to be reversed to tackle one of Ireland's most dangerous roads

Spending cuts need to be reversed to tackle one of Ireland's most dangerous roads.

The route connecting west Wicklow towns like Blessington and Hollywood with Dublin is one of the most dangerous in the country, according to Fine Gael TD Edward Timmins.

He said this had been demonstrated by Gamma location intelligence.

He pointed out the N81 is the only route out of Dublin that has never been upgraded.

Edward Timmins TD

Dep Timmins raised the issue in the Dáil and also said there is a need to increase train capacity to serve Wicklow residents.

“Considerable cuts to funding of national roads in recent years have negatively impacted Wicklow,” he said.

He added that a  preferred upgrade route previously chosen, was shelved in 2018 and “this needs to be put into the national development plan”.   

Dep Timmins also said the Programme for Government commits to increase funding for new roads, and to develop and enhance Rail services.