Labour Finance Spokesperson Joan Burton TD has welcomed the appearance of the head of the National Roads Authority (NRA), Fred Barry, before the Dáil Transport Committee tomorrow on foot of a Labour party request for the NRA to address a number of significant issues especially in relation to the M50 and current upgrade works.

But she has criticised the refusal of the contractor company carrying out the upgrade works, M50 Concession Ltd., to attend tomorrow’s Dail Committee hearing. In particular, she had hoped that the contractors would be able to answer questions about the arrangements for landscaping and the reinstatement of trees, which act as a sound barrier and air filter, as soon as possible.

“People living in Laurel Lodge, Phoenix Gardens and Talbot Downs have seen their quality of life take a big knock since the National Roads Authority ripped out the trees and shrubs that provided a natural barrier between the motorway and their homes.

“For many, there is now nothing to shield them from the sound of tens of thousands of vehicles racing past their back gardens every day. The noise can be really quite unbearable, never mind the fact that it looks awful.

“Local people have no objection to upgrading the M50 – they use it all the time – but they are justifiably angry that they were not consulted before the roadworks went ahead and that the NRA have since been dragging their heels in dealing with the problem.

“The M50 is clearly a key road artery for the entire greater Dublin and mid-Leinster regions. It is therefore completely unacceptable that the contractors, M50 Concession Ltd., have refused point blank to attend tomorrow’s Committee meting.

“M50 Concession Ltd. are receiving public money to carry out these works on behalf of the NRA and should, like the NRA, be held accountable to the Oireachtas Transport Committee for their actions.”