Fine Gael Senator and Leader of Seanad Eireann, Jerry Buttimer said the allocation of funding for a new roads and upgrades for Cork is excellent news for the County.

Senator Buttimer said the announcement follows the conclusion of the Capital Plan Review process from October.

Overall an additional €486 million was secured for roads for the period 2018 to 2021, bringing total roads investment for this time to €4.26 billion.

Senator Jerry Buttimer said: “Fine Gael in government is committed to strengthening our communities and building a sustainable future.

“Enhancing local infrastructure will help improve the lives of Cork people, as well as making the area even more accessible.

The confirmation of the Cork to Limerick Motorway which will now go to planning and design stage will at last link the two major population centres in Munster and also the upgrading of the N8 Dunkettle Interchange on a phased basis will further streamline road links from Cork to Dublin

“In addition, a package of extra measures will now be implemented on our road networks across the country including reduced energy usage for route lighting, minor improvement works and community involvement programmes, together with the assessment of potential future projects.

“The original Capital Plan projects remain a top priority and these projects continue to be advanced and a construction schedule is in place for the projects with planning permission.”