74% support for eastern bypass to Port Tunnel

Almost three-quarters of residents from Irishtown to Blackrock want a bypass to connect Dublin Port to the southern end of the…

Almost three-quarters of residents from Irishtown to Blackrock want a bypass to connect Dublin Port to the southern end of the M50 motorway, according to a survey commissioned by employers group Ibec, writes Olivia Kelly.

The proposed eastern bypass would ultimately connect to the Port Tunnel, making the M50 a full orbital motorway around the city. The bypass was Government policy in the 1980s but was subsequently dropped.

In the Government's 10-year Transport 21 plan, commitment has only been given to start feasibility and planning work.

Possible routes include a tunnel under Sandymount strand, a causeway and a bridge across the south of Dublin Bay.

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The survey of 500 adults in Sandymount, Irishtown, Booterstown and Blackrock, conducted by mrbi, found 74 per cent in favour of an eastern bypass, with 46 per cent favouring a tunnel and 38 per cent supporting a surface option.