The ‘Atlantic Way 2020’ is intended to represent the vision, ambition and priorities required to accelerate the economic and social development in the region, including the completion of the N18 road, making Shannon Airport into an autonomous, fully resourced International Airport and ensuring that Shannon Airport is a base for US Customs and Border Protection.

“Atlantic Way 2020” offers a blueprint for future planning and development, which if accepted and implemented, will secure the economic and social success of the Atlantic Way, as a model region,” he added.

Chairperson of the Atlantic Way, Brian O’Connell, commented said that, “there has been fantastic support within the region for the creation of the Atlantic Way 2020 document. A key objective is that this will be seen and interacted with as a working, community document for everyone within the Atlantic Way”.

The Atlantic Way is a voluntary organisation that seeks to foster co-operation between business, education, government and community groups.

While visiting Limerick, the minister was also presented with a proposal to improve connectivity along the Limerick to Tralee N69 Road by Limerick Chamber.

The organisation highlighted the need for improved connectivity to serve the businesses and residents located along the route and warned that the current road infrastructure is inadequate and could hamper the future economic growth, expansion and prosperity of the West Limerick/North Kerry region.

The chamber is calling for the acceleration of the N21 Adare by-pass and is proposing the construction of a spur-road from the bypass between Croagh and Adare to the N69 between Foynes and Askeaton.

Limerick Chamber Vice-President, Harry Fehily, who chaired the meeting stated that “the route we are proposing is a less costly and more viable solution to upgrading the N69”.

“There is a very significant industrial base in existence along the N69 that are major contributors to the local and national economy. Ireland’s second largest commercial seaport facility, Foynes Port, which handles a significant proportion of Ireland’s trade, is also located here. Currently 100,000 heavy goods vehicles go through Foynes Port and this is forecast to increase to 150,000 HGV’s by 2020,” he added.

Limerick Chamber CEO Maria Kelly said that there was “positive interaction” at the meeting with the minister, who listened intently to the ideas and issues put forward.

Comments (0) »

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment