N8 RATHCORMAC FERMOY BYPASS CONTROVERSY STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION BY E.C.

Kathy Sinnott, MEP, has received an update from the European Commission regarding the ongoing N8 Rathcormac/Fermoy bypass controversy. The NRA has been asked to investigate the N8 issue and was to revert to the European Commission with all the necessary information on February 15, 2008.

However, the NRA was unable to provide the Commission with all the information and they were granted 1 month’s extension. The investigation is now at an advanced stage and is hoped to be concluded by this Friday, March 14, 2008.

Speaking from Brussels, Kathy Sinnott, Independent MEP for Munster, says “I have been battling for the rights of my constituents in North Cork to use their own roads in the controversy over the N8 Rathcormac Fermoy Bypass since summer 2006. Today’s update from the Commission looks positive for the people of Rathcormac and Watergrasshill.”

The opening of the M8 tolled motorway in October, 2006 resulted in 2.4km of EU funded roadway being withdrawn from all free public usage with no access or exit point for non toll paying citizens. This stretch of road is inaccessible to my constituents unless they pay a toll to a private company.”

Ms Sinnott says the situation could have been avoided at no cost if the present exit to Rathcormac village had been left open instead of being closed off when the toll bridge opened. This roadway was provided to reduce congestion for the general public and people of Watergrasshill and its surrounding areas.

“The absence of these access and exit points is having serious consequences for the people of the area concerned. The village of Watergrasshill is once more dangerously plagued by traffic. This can only be relieved by removing the barriers so that people can drive their own roads again.”

Mrs Sinnott has been active in bringing the problem to Europe’s attention. In 2007, the issue was referred to the European Commission’s legal services.

"I have written numerous questions to the Commission on the N8 and received some unsatisfactory answers. In 2007, I brought over some of my constituents affected by the situation and we met with Commission officials in DG Regio. I am also host to a petition on the N8 to the European Parliament’s Petitions committee, of which I am vice president,” she says.

After the investigation into the N8 is complete, the NRA will supply the Commission with all the information required. Concluding, Mrs Sinnott said the Commission will make this information available to the Petitions committee where the N8 petition will be discussed in the presence of MEPs and the Commission.

“The petitioners will have an opportunity to travel to Brussels to present their petition to the Committee and we will have a chance to advise the Commission on the accuracy of the NRA’s information.”

 

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