Some 500 farmers hijacked the opening of the Athlone to Ballinasloe section of the M6 yesterday (Thursday ) in a protest which was organised by the IFA. It aimed to demonstrate farmers’ anger at the Government for the closing off of the REPS 4 (Rural Environment Protection Scheme ) and proposed cuts in funding for the development of rural areas in the Midlands and West.
The M6 section was officially opened by An Taoiseach Brian Cowen at 11am and there followed a 7km tailback in the area due to the protest. Speaking to the Advertiser after the protest, IFA regional development officer Adrian Levy said that the major demonstration was organised by local farmers in protest at major cuts in funding to disadvantaged areas, as well as the closing off of the REPS 4 scheme. “We wanted to give Brian Cowen a clear message,” explained Mr Levy. “The Taoiseach did speak to some of the farmers after the opening, but made no promises. We have shown him the real effect of these cuts on dairy farmers and the rural areas,” he added. During Mr Cowen’s speech farmers booed and shouted at him.
The M6 Athlone to Ballinasloe was officially opened yesterday (Thursday ) five weeks ahead of the contractual completion date of September 2.
The new section of the M6 cost some €210 million and will significantly enhance the infrastructure of the Border Midlands and West region.
This scheme completes the M6 Dublin-Galway major inter-urban link between the Athlone bypass and East Ballinasloe, whilst the Galway to East Ballinasloe scheme which is under construction and due to open to traffic in 2010 will mean the total completion of the M6 Dublin to Galway route.
The scheme will remove some 12,300 vehicles per day from the existing single carriageway,which has very few passing opportunities. The new Monksland junction arrangement provides a connection between the community at Summerhill and Athlone in a manner which does not require mixing with the national route traffic.
