Tipperary councillor criticises daytime M8 roadworks as motorists face months of disruption
Major resurfacing works on the M8 motorway in Tipperary should be carried out at night rather than during the day, according to an independent councillor who has criticised the current daytime closures.
That’s according to local independent councillor John O’Heney, who said that he has “serious concerns” about Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s (TII) decision to close the road during the day.
Tipperary County Council said that the M8 motorway from Junction 6 Horse and Jockey and Junction 7 Cashel would be closed for two months to facilitate resurfacing works.
The northbound section of motorway closed from 8am to 6pm starting on August 4, and will run until October 10.
Meanwhile, the southbound section of the motorway is closed from 9pm to 6am on August 11.
Motorists are being diverted via the R693 between Junction 7 Cashel and Junction 6 Horse and Jockey.
Cllr O’Heney said that while he welcomes improvements to Tipperary’s road network, the works should have taken place overnight.
“While I fully support investment in improving our road network, I have serious concerns about the timing of these works,” he said.
“Carrying out major resurfacing during peak daytime traffic is causing unnecessary delays and significant disruption for commuters, businesses, public transport and those travelling for appointments.
“I believe these works should, where possible, be scheduled during night-time hours or outside peak traffic periods. This approach would minimise disruption while still allowing the necessary maintenance to be completed safely and efficiently,” Cllr O’Heney added.
The independent councillor said that he would be seeking an explanation from TII as to why the resurfacing works are being carried out during daytime hours rather than overnight.
“I will continue to advocate for better planning of future roadworks to reduce the impact on the travelling public,” he said.
In a letter sent to TII, Cllr O’Heney asked the agency to explain their decision.
“I would appreciate if Transport Infrastructure Ireland could explain why these works could not have been undertaken during night-time hours.
“Many motorists have questioned this decision, particularly on such a busy section of the national road network,” he wrote in the letter.
He further requested that, where safe and feasible, all future works on heavily trafficked road networks be done at night to reduce the inconvenience on motorists.
TII has not yet responded to Cllr O’Heney’s queries.