New section of M9 motorway opens
The journey time from Dublin to Waterford will be cut by up to half an hour after section of the M9 motorway opened in Co Kilkenny today.
Transport Minister Noel Dempsey cut the ribbon on the 24km stretch of road, which cost an estimated €10mn per kilometre.
“This new section of motorway will carry up to 12,500 vehicles per day and as of today, nearly 84 kms of motorway on the M9 have been delivered," Minister Dempsey said.
"Today’s opening marks the penultimate milestone in the delivery of an entirely new route from Junction 11 on the M7 all the way to the Waterford city bypass. The final 40km section, from Carlow to Knocktopher is on target for delivery later this year.”
"When the final section is completed, it will be possible to travel from the M7/M50 Red Cow junction to Waterford City in approximately 90 minutes – an unheard of journey time just a few short years ago."
The extension of the motorway was delayed by several months because of poor weather conditions.
Motorists will now be able to bypass the Kilkenny villages of Knocktopher, Ballyhale and Mullinavat.
