Allegan,Baxter,Coca-Cola and Hollister have over a number of years lobbied the Irish government on the need to upgrade the N5. Access in to and out of the region is key for their continued success.
The companies jointly, directly employ 3,000 people and a further 6,000 indirectly. They export 90% of their €3bn output, and pay €350m in taxes here.
60% of Coke concentrate for the world, 100% of the world supply of Botox, and 70% of renal dialysis solution is transported via the N5.
A total of 100 containers from the factories use the route on a daily basis.
Its estimated that €230m, the equivalent of 8 months tax revenue from those companies would be needed for the upgrade.
Should the state finance such a project?