Micheál Martin TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment Welcomes Visionary Transport Investment

Having a good transport infrastructure is essential to having a competitive, successful economy. From this perspective I very much welcome the long term impact these investments will have on reducing the costs of doing business in and from Ireland

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr. Micheál Martin, T.D., today (1 November 2005) strongly welcomed the massive investment in transport infrastructure announced by the Minister for Transport, Mr. Martin Cullen, T.D.

Speaking after the announcement the Minister said “Modern economies depend on efficient transport networks to reinforce competitiveness. The level of infrastructure investment helps drive economic and enterprise performance and consolidates our attractiveness as an investment location. The roads programme announced today will have the flexibility to address the access requirements of major new industrial enterprises and the Minister for Transport and I will continue to work closely to ensure this”.

“Having a good transport infrastructure is essential to having a competitive, successful economy. From this perspective I very much welcome the long term impact these investments will have on reducing the costs of doing business in and from Ireland”.

The Transport Plan sees significant investments in regional locations. Talking about the importance of this emphasis, the Minister said “Strengthening the capacity of the regions to compete against the pull of Dublin, and indeed in a global context, is an important aspect of competitiveness and sustainable development. Higher spending on regional transport infrastructure connects is a very direct and meaningful way with the National Spatial Strategy’s objectives. Minister Cullen’s plans are strategically important because regional locations will become more attractive for investment. This will be of national and not only regional benefit”.

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