The Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform, Brendan Howlin, has praised the Government's €42 billion framework for infrastructure investment in Ireland over the period 2016 to 2021.

The plan is also expected to support approximately 45,000 construction jobs.

Minister Howlin attended an event in Wexford on today, 15 January, as well as Ministers Paudie Coffey, Paul Kehoe and Ann Phelan.

Minister Howlin said: "For Wexford and the whole South East region, this means providing vital facilities for people in the form of roads, schools, health care, housing and policing, as well as investing capital spending to strengthen the environment for job creation.

"I am particularly pleased that the plan includes two major road projects of vital importance to the South East – the M11 Gorey to Enniscorthy and the N25 New Ross Bypass. Wexford will also benefit from eight new schools projects and an investment of €25.3 million to provide 677 social homes."

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The Minister of State with special responsibility for Housing, Planning & the Construction 2020 strategy, Paudie Coffey TD, said: "The Government's capital investment programme for the South East demonstrates our determination to build the necessary infrastructure to keep the economic recovery going.

"I am particularly delighted the plan contains a government commitment to the regeneration of the North Quays in Waterford, this is a significant, strategic city centre site and its re-development will exploit its full economic potential for the benefit of the city and the wider region.

"This investment complements the €10million investment in the Michael Street/Apple Market area of the city centre. Waterford is also receiving €35 million in funding for housing in the county as well as five new schools projects in Waterford City, Lismore and Tramore.

"On foot of investment by this Government, Waterford has also received 37 new Garda vehicles, and the Waterford Courthouse is being refurbished and extended with a substantial capital investment.

"Waterford health services are also seeing investment in the new palliative care unit at University Hospital Waterford and the provision of elderly care services at St Patrick's Hospital, as well as new Primary Care Centres opened in Tramore and under way in Dungarvan and Waterford City."

(CD/JP)