The south-east is a pivotal location mainly through the existence of three ports in the region — New Ross, Rosslare and Waterford. The major development currently being undertaken by the Waterford Harbour Commissioners at Belview, County Kilkenny, will further enhance this role. It is therefore desirable to co-ordinate the needs of the region with that of the rest of the country. The Irish roads plan currently being proposed does not give recognition to the fact that the south-east ports are the principal means for the transportation of goods to mainland Europe. There is an urgency about giving clear recognition to all routes linking Waterford port, which will become the premier port in the country following the completion of the Belview development.
In order to get traffic through Waterford city quickly to Waterford Port and Rosslare Port, it is essential that a high level bridge be constructed across the River Suir. It is totally unacceptable to the citizens of Waterford and south Kilkenny that all the core traffic that will result from this new development will make their lives a misery. In addition, the creation of a bypass north of Waterford city through Newrath is currently required as part of the existing road structure. As a representative of Kilkenny County Council, I can confirm that the development of a new river crossing for Waterford has the full support of that local authority. I hope the Minister for Finance and the Government take this unique opportunity, with the advance of the Cohesion Fund and future Structural Funds, to put this integrated road plan in place not only for the benefit of Waterford and south Kilkenny but for the benefit of the country and the south-east region in particular.