The M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy scheme is underway as Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Pascal Donohoe TD and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Brendan Howlin TD, have ceremoniously turned the sod.
The project, expected to be completed by 2019, will be built by a consortium led by BAM and Iridium, a Spanish infrastructure group under the Government’s Infrastructural Stimulus programme. The scheme will see the construction of 39 km of nation roads and the employment of over 250 people over the three year period.
This is the third sceme of its kind signed by the Government since 2012. The first was the €550m Gort/Tuam PPP project, set to be complete in 2018, and this was followed by the final phase of the N7/N11 Arklow to Rathnew PPP scheme which opened to traffic earlier this year.
Speaking at the event, Minister Donohoe highlighted the many economic benefits the the M11 PPP scheme will bring: ‘It will improve connectivity, reduce traffic congestion and increase the attractiveness of bypassed communities as places to shop, to visit, to work and to live.’
Miniter Howlin also spoke about the significance of the project: ‘The M11 is a very significant project for Wexford and the South East of Ireland and represents yet another significant step in the upgrading of this strategic link in our national road network. In addition to creating jobs during construction, this new motorway will connect communities, improve accessibility to Rosslare Europort, reduce travel time and will improve safety on the route.’
Jonathan Taylor, EIB Vice President responsible for Ireland stated that The European Investment Bank is pleased to continue its support for transport investment in Ireland in co-operation with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Irish and international investors. ‘Improving the long-awaited M11 will benefit the people of Enniscorthy and support thousands of jobs across the country.’
Theo Cullinane, BAM Ireland Chief Executive said: ‘Following the recent opening of the Arklow to Rathnew portion of the M11, this new motorway will further enhance transport links to the South East. PPP is a highly effective model for investing and developing Ireland’s infrastructure, which plays a critical role in our economic recovery.’
The new road will is expected to be in operation by August 2019. After which there will be a concession period for the consortium of BAM Civil and Dragados.[one_half][/one_half]
