The N2/N3 link road in west Dublin has been opened by Transport Minister Leo Varadkar.

It is the first road project to be funded with assistance from NAMA.

Work started in September 2011 on the €20.55m development, which received funding of €6m from the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport. The remainder was sourced by Fingal County Council and NAMA.

Minister Varadkar said: "It is particularly significant that this road has been funded with assistance from NAMA, the first time that NAMA has helped to finance a new road project. I want to see more such co-operation between NAMA and road development in the future

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"This road is more than just a link between two motorways and an alternative route to and from the airport. It’s about providing vital infrastructure to encourage businesses to settle in the area, and take traffic and heavy vehicles away from other roads. The project also includes off-road bike lanes to encourage more people to cycle.

The area has been provided with zones for science and technology developments, warehousing, light industrial and office accommodation. It is already home to Bristol Myers Squib, IBM and eBay.

Essential infrastructure has been pre-installed under and alongside the development.

The road commences at Church Road close to Tyrrelstown and joins the N2 at the Cherryhound interchange. Six roundabouts have been constructed along the route to link with existing local roads and provide access points to future development lands.

(IT/MH)