Abbeyleix by-passed with M8 completion Good news for motorists today with the opening of a 41km section of road by-passing Abbeyleix and Durrow to complete the M8 motorway between Dublin and Cork. The latest development will link up Portlaoise and Cullahill, and is estimated to take up to 45 minutes off travel at peak times. It should now be possible to travel from Newlands Cross in Dublin to the Jack Lynch tunnel in Cork in about two hours and fifteen minutes, although car drivers will have to pay a new toll of one euro and eighty cent just south of Portlaoise. The M7 Dublin to Limerick motorway will also be advanced today with a new section of road by-passing both Mouthrath and Borris-in-Ossory. The official opening will be performed by An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen at mid-day, and the new roads are expected to be in use some time between 2pm and 6pm.
