A €25 million bypass which will take thousands of vehicles per day away from Youghal, Co Cork, is set to be officially opened today by the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan.
The project has taken nearly two years to complete, with work first commencing in April 2001.
It is estimated that 65 per cent of the N25 traffic will bypass Youghal, diverting some 6,000 vehicles per day away from the town. This figure is projected to double by 2019.
An estimated 15,000 vehicles per day pass through the east Cork seaside resort, leading to traffic congestion and lengthy delays.
Politicians in the tourist town claim the bypass will be particularly beneficial in easing traffic during the busy summer months.
The 6.2-kilometre road begins at Ballyhubart on the Cork side, and ends at Rincrew on the road to Waterford. Six bridges and underpasses are included in the bypass.
Congestion hotspots in the town which will lessen after the diversion of heavy commercial traffic include Cork Hill, Tallow Street and Strand Street.
Management and parents of pupils at schools such as Gael Scoil Choráin will also be pleased to see an end to the daily traffic chaos.
However, some traders fear that the town will suffer from the lack of passing business trade.
A name for the road is to be decided on following consultation between Cork and Waterford county officials and Youghal Town Council.
The opening of the bypass will take place at 3 p.m. today. It will be attended by Mr Brennan, Cllr Paula Desmond, mayor of the county of Cork, Mr Michael Tobin, chief executive of the National Roads Authority, and Cork county manager Mr Maurice Moloney.