Fine Gael, the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform have been slammed for failing to support the plan for a motorway between Cork and Limerick.

Sinn Fein Senator Paul Gavan accused Minister Michael Noonan and Minister Pascal Donoghue of "failing the people of Limerick".

He said: "After six years of Fine Gael in government, Minister Noonan has consistently failed to back the plan for a motorway between Cork and Limerick.

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"Even if the project is given the go ahead later this year, it is acknowledged that due to the need to renew planning applications it could be 10 years before this badly needed motorway will be built.

"Talk of working towards regional balance is meaningless for as long as the project to establish an Atlantic Corridor remains unfulfilled. It is now 30 years since the idea was first brought forward by the University of Limerick and Dr Ed Walsh.

"The failure to insist on investment for the M20 project is a huge embarrassment for the Fine Gael party in Limerick."

(CD/LM)