N9/N10 Kilcullen-Waterford motorway rejected |
Unified N9/N10 group formed to fight plan |
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October 16th 2001 An estimated 300 people attended a meeting in Carroll's, Knocktopher, Co. Kilkenny on Monday October 15th 2001, the day the preferred route was announced for the Waterford Dublin motorway/dual-carriageway. Most of those in attendance had, that day, received notification that their lands or houses (or both) would be compulsorily acquired to build the motorway. Many people were clearly deeply distressed by the events of the day. Some people that received notification had had no idea that their property was likely to be affected since the route corridor options published at the previous public consultation suggested the motorway would avoid their lands. Specialist legal and other advise was provided by CaST at the meeting. Additionally, people whose lands are being compulsorily acquired for other motorways in the government's road building plan were present and provided valuable advice also. The consensus of the meeting was that the proposed motorway was not in the interests of the common good. It was hugely in excess of the demonstrated need. The proposed motorway capacity varies from 55,000 to 80,000 plus vehicles per day depending on level of service. But the Dublin Waterford vehicle per day count is a mere 720 vehicles and the National Road Needs Study specified a 2 lane road for the full Waterford Kilcullen distance. The role of the politicians and their and other interest groups' complicity in bringing this motorway to the region was discussed and general disappointment was expressed. The only politician that was considered to have helped the people was Mary White of the Green party. It was unanimously agreed that the affected landowners would not avail of the private consultations offered by the local authorities but would instead write and request detailed maps. It was felt that such meetings were not in the best interests of the property owners. There was nothing to be gained by attending such meetings. People volunteered to provide a presence at the consultation venues to assist people that would not have attended the meeting. It was further agreed that a unified N9/N10 group would be formed
for the specific purposes of preparing for the oral hearing and
advancing the political and media campaign. The first meeting
of the group is scheduled to take place on Monday 22nd October in
Clara Hall, Clara, Co. Kilkenny. All affected property owners
and members of the wider community who wish to become part of and
support this group are welcome to attend. Copyright © Campaign for Sensible Transport 2001 |