O’Connor hails M50 completion as major development for Dublin

Dublin South West T.D. Charlie O’Connor has described the official opening of the 32 kilometre M50 Upgrade Scheme as a major development for Dublin which has reduced commuting times by up to 50% and improved the city’s attractiveness for investment.

“Just five years ago the M50 was the commuters’ nightmare, a virtual car park.  The road, just two lanes wide with all of the interchanges controlled by traffic lights, was also burdened by long queues at those dreaded toll-booths.  Today the M50 has been completely transformed, on budget and four months ahead of schedule,” said Deputy O’Connor.

“The people of Tallaght and surrounding areas have seen a major difference in commuting times but of course like so many M50 commuters they have had to struggle through all of the upgrade works over the last four and half years.  I believe it was worth it.  Work at Junction 9 (N7 Red Cow) interchange, Junction 10 (Ballymount), Junction 11 (N81 Tallaght), and Junction 12 (Scholarstown/Firhouse) has completely changed the commuting experience.  The upgraded M50 completes a modern motorway network and connects the capital and the main motorway routes to the north, west and south of Ireland.”

“There are 34 new road bridges and 6 new footbridges on the free-flowing M50, 32km of widened motorway and 34km of slip roads at junctions.  Journey times on the M50 now are down by up to 50%.  Using the motorway is much more reliable, much safer and more efficient for businesses along the M50 or who rely on it for deliveries,” added Deputy O’Connor.

“The M50 has been transformed at a cost of one billion euro.  I think Dublin and Dubliners can finally be proud of the M50 after many years of congestion and four years of living through the upgrade works.”

“I know the people of Tallaght are delighted to have the motorway finished.  The M50 was the cause of many genuine ‘quality of life’ issues in the past.  Thankfully they’re behind us now and commuters, tourists and businesses can reap the benefits of the six-lane motorway,” concluded Deputy O’Connor.