‘Great news’ as Tipperary bypass project back on track
The inclusion of a Tipperary project on the revised National Development Plan (NDP) has been described as “great news” for one major town.
A leaked version of the NDP was released this week, which shows that the Thurles Bypass project has been re-included.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) will formally confirm this when it publishes the updated plan on Tuesday, November 25.
The project was first included on the NDP in 2011, but due to the financial crash, the project was eventually dropped.
Dan Harty of the Bypass For Thurles campaign group has said that the project’s re-inclusion is a cause for optimism.
"This development is fantastic news for the people of Thurles and surrounding areas.
"Now is the time for renewed optimism, with the inclusion of an ambitious plan hotly anticipated in the revised NDP when it is published in a fortnight. I wholeheartedly welcome this news and am very proud to have played a role in ensuring that this project was kept to the very fore as a political issue in the locality,” Mr Harty said.
North Tipperary TD Michael Lowry said that the project should be ready for construction by 2030.
"Thurles Bypass will be funded to advance through the various approval stages including design and planning and be ready for construction by 2030.
"This has been a priority for me and for the people of Thurles for many years. I first advanced this project in 2009, only for the project to be scrapped because of the economic crash. Now, more than 16 years later, I am delighted once again to be in a position to make this project a priority, within the lifetime of this Government.
"A bypass for Thurles has long been recognised by local business people, public representatives, the local authority, and the wider community as the key to unlocking the town’s true economic potential,” he added.
Local councillor Jim Ryan said that while the inclusion of the project is good news, the route for the new road may need to be redesigned.
"This is great news but an awful lot of work and time will have to take place before construction will commence. I have been told that the current route and plans may have to be amended and will have to be re-designed and possible planning will have to sought,” Cllr Ryan said.
“We have a long road ahead but the biggest obstacle has been cleared whereby the Government will be including it in the current NDP. I along with all local politicians will have to continue working hard on this to ensure the Government follows through on its promise,” he added.
Deputy Lowry said the bypass is vital to alleviate traffic backlogs, and will bring new life into the town.
"This development is essential to alleviating the chronic traffic congestion in Thurles, particularly the heavy goods vehicles passing through Liberty Square where two national secondary routes converge.
"The bypass will be transformative in removing congestion from our streets and breathing new life into our town centre. For our elderly, our young people, and people with disabilities, safety must come first. Taking heavy vehicles out of the town centre will make Thurles a safer, more vibrant place to live, work, shop, and do business,” he added.