Works to widen the M7 motorway from Kildare to Dublin are to be complete by April, Kildare County County has revealed.

The project involves widening the road from two to three lanes for 14km, between Junction 9 Naas North and the M7/M9 interchange at Junction 11. Work began on the project more than 12 months ago.

This news comes after Fine Gael Senator Anthony Lawlor called for 24/7 construction on major transport projects across the country last week.

Mr Lawlor welcomed the announcement, but remained confident that 24/7 construction on future transport projects must be agreed beforehand by those putting tenders together.

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He 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 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.

"Thankfully the end game is in sight for the M7 works and the Sallins bypass and it will be completed within the agreed timeframe.

"However 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."

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."

(CM)