The first sod was turned on the new Kilkenny ring road today by Minister for Transport Martin Cullen.
The new €31 million, 4.2-kilometre carriageway will open in May 2007. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Cullen said the road would take up to 7,000 cars out of Kilkenny city a day.
"Better roads mean a better future. Community life is enhanced through safer road journeys. Businesses can operate more efficiently, meaning jobs can grow. Better transport access is pivotal in attracting tourists, and this is especially important here in Kilkenny," he added.
Work on the next phase of this route, the Carlow bypass, will start in 2006.