A Fine Gael Senator has called for changes to be implemented to allow 24/7 construction on major transport projects across the country.

Kildare Senator, Anthony Lawlor said: "When it comes to planning of major public transport infrastructure projects, a common issue at the tender stage is a failure to identify all the relevant costs and benefits.

"Specifically, public transport infrastructure projects should include a cost-benefit of incremental completion dates with a bias towards earlier completion of the project.

"We live in an age when construction can be carried out 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This should be the case for all future transport projects where it is permissible. The planning of public transport infrastructure must include a greater emphasis on the cost-benefit analysis of shorter construction timeframes."

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Mr Lawlor was speaking as the roadworks to widen the M7 motorway in Kildare continue 12 months after they began, with a completion date now scheduled for mid-2019.

He continued: "The transport network is important in facilitating and supporting economic growth in the national, regional and local economy. Prolonged construction times must be avoided. We need to minimise the economic, social and environmental impacts of major road and rail transport projects during construction.

"While this may negatively impact on construction costs, the social, economic and environmental benefits are potentially huge.

"For example, the cost of congestion during construction of major road building projects should be considered and should influence the planning and tendering process. The annual cost of time lost on Irish roads due to congestion in 2012 was €358 million. That annual cost will rise to €2.08 billion in 2033," Senator Lawlor added.

(CM/MH)