Funding request for N24 road upgrade in south Tipperary

Clonmel Councillor Siobhán Ambrose recently brought Jack Chambers, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, to Clonmel.

Cllr Ambrose said the main objective of the visit was to discuss the final section of the N24 and to ensure that funding is provided in the government’s budget in October for the next phase of the road upgrade.

She said that concern had been expressed that while funding for the Limerick Junction to Cahir side of the project was forthcoming, her concern was based around the Waterford to Cahir part of the project, and she wanted to make sure that both sides of this N24 project would be progressed.

According to Cllr Ambrose, “as people may be aware, the proposed route for the N24 from Waterford to Cahir will be announced this September.

“This will be a difficult time for everyone whose homes, farms or businesses are impacted. There are also young people who want to build on their family land and until this route is finalised they will also be held up from building their homes.

“What we do not want is these people being told in September that their holdings are impacted and then for these plans to sit on a shelf for the next 20 years, like the last plans. That is not fair to people.

“We need to make sure that once the route has been announced this September that the funds are available in next October’s budget to proceed to the next phase, which will be to carry out a condensed or more detailed plan of the proposed route.

“In essence, what we looking for is €3 million for 2024 and €2 million for 2025. This funding will allow the appointed contractors to confirm to landowners exactly how much of their holdings are being sought as part of the N24 project.

“The N24 is a National Roads project. It is a vital piece of infrastructure and when completed it will mean a direct motorway link from Rosslare right up along the west coast.

“I want to thank Minister Chambers for agreeing to my invitation to visit Clonmel; the Mayor and Chair of the Districts in the south of the county, where the N24 plan impacts, for their attendance; and to the staff of the council who gave presentations on the day.

“It was a very productive meeting and we hope that funding will be secured for the next phase of this project in October’s budget”.

Cllr Ambrose also accompanied Minister Chambers to the Loreto and the Gaelscoil in Clonmel, where proposals have been put together for pedestrian crossings and other safety measures around both schools, as well as St Mary’s school; and to Lisronagh, where she says there is a need for a school bus stop.

She also brought what she says is “the poor timetable” at Clonmel Railway Station to his attention; and an issue at Rosegreen National School, where there is a request to widen the footpath.