New mural, cycle path and traffic measures adopted under Thurles Active Travel plan

The R498 Active Travel Project at Castlemeadows, Thurles has been adopted by the Thurles Municipal District Council.

The plan was proposed by Cllr Seamus Hanafin and seconded by Michéal Lowry at last week’s district meeting.

Thurles councillors welcomed the project, with Cllr Sean Ryan calling it a “fantastic initiative.”

The PROJECT

According the Chief Executive’s report for The R498 Active Travel Project Castlemeadows, Thurles comprises a series of works to facilitate walking and cycling.

From the roundabout at TUS to the Bohernave Junction, the plan is to construct a 700 metre cycle track which will connect with the existing track on Racecourse Road.

The footpath in the same area is to be upgraded.

The plan provides for a new bus set down area at Coláiste Mhuire Co-Ed.

Access is to be improved for businesses and residents in the area.

The entrances for both the school and the Teagasc building are to be seperated by a footpath and planted area. A five-space carpark will be located at the north entrance of the school under the plan.

A new pedestrian crossing will be provided on Bohernanave, the exit from Coldiste Mhuire.

Additionally, a piece of artwork will be installed at the entrance of Semple Stadium. The report describe it as follows:

“The artwork will be aesthetically significant and symbolic, represent the uniqueness of the GAA and celebrate Gaelic Games and Thurles as the town in which the GAA was founded in 1884.”

Traffic lanes are to be reduced to 3.25m to control vehicle speed.

CONCERNS

While feedback on the project was positive some councillors did raise some concerns about the project.

Cllr Hanafin said the project was a positive development but asked about the length of the proposed cyclepath.

He asked about funding and the schedule for the project and that the new layout and works be designed with match day in mind.

Cllr Sean Ryan was also concerned about disruptions at Semple Stadium.

He said he would not like to see ‘bad press’ to tarnish the reputation of Thurles among sports fans.

The Thurles councillor also said while he acknowledges the funding granted to the district previously, he noted there was a need for more investment this year.

Cllr Jim Ryan asked if a right-hand turn at the school could be facilitated.

A Tipperary County Council Official said the length of the cycle path is a starting point and will continue into the next phase.

There is 15,000 in funding for this phase, and they hope to have full funding next year. They said they had examined the feasibility of a right-hand turn at the school, but it would not be possible.

The project is due to be complete in 2024.

ACTIVE TRAVEL

Active Travel initiatives provide funding to Local Authorities for infrastructure to promote sustainable travel. The fund is administered by the National Transport Authority.

According to the NTA, projects under Active Travel includes pedestrian and cyclist routes, access to schools, permeability links, urban greenways and some minor public transport improvement projects.

This year, Tipperary was allocated a total of €4,633,000 in Active Travel grants for 37 projects.