The Government has rejected proposals for the Cork-Limerick motorway to proceed to the planning stage.

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Transport Timmy Dooley is "extremely disappointed" at the decision and said the motorway would improve safety.

He said: "The fact is it is in the long-term economic interests of the region and public safety to proceed. Tender prices would also be extremely favourable and the government's borrowing rate is extremely low.

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"If we invest in the long-term for the south-west we will reap the benefits for years to come.

"As well as the economic case for the motorway, there is strong public safety argument for the new road. At the moment many large vehicles are going through towns including Mallow, Charleville, and Buttevant and there have been many collisions over the years. This new orbital route is needed."

(CD/MH)