Kilkenny city would benefit hugely from a routing of the N9 west of Carlow town. An IDA business park on the town's ring route with access to the new motorway, and so to the ports at Dublin and Waterford, would be a potent attraction for a new business. It is also served by a spur from the Dublin to Waterford railway line.

Carlow

Access to the new road would considerably enhance the prospects of the new technology park, opening up an area which has seen little inward investment since the 1970s. Carlow County Council is seeking to develop the park and road access would be a big help.

Waterford

Like Athlone, Waterford is a good bet as a candidate for growth gateway designation in the Spatial Development Strategy. Waterford has an institute of technology, and a regional airport, a seaport and rail link to the capital. Road access to the N11 through Enniscorthy is to be enhanced. The city's location makes it an obvious choice for balanced regional development.