Row over road opening delay

Both Deputy Sean Power Deputy Jack Wall have denied suggestions that they asked for a delay on opening the new section of the M9 following lobbying by local traders.

Speaking on radio this morning, both said that Kildare County Council local representatives had been told last week that the road was not ready to open.

KFM Radio presenter Clem Ryan noted that local gardai had said on air yesterday that the road would be opening next Monday. However, Kildare County Council spokesman Charlie Talbot said that 'legal formalities' with the contractor had not yet been concluded. He said that discussions would be resumed before Christmas, but couldn't offer a date by which it might be opened. It was reported this morning that the NRA signed off on the road last week and that it is ready to open, but Mr Talbot said the Council knew nothing about this, and they were the agents for the NRA on the project.

Deputy Jack Wall said the local area engineer was 'not yet satisfied' on health and safety aspects of the road, and said it shouldn't be opened until all were agreed.

A number of businesses which will be affected by being bypassed have been running a campaign to have an off-ramp installed near The Priory, without success.

It will bypass the notorious traffic blackspot of Castledermot and enable southbound traffic to go all the way beyond Carlow without hindrence.