Thurles councillors are feeling ‘positive’ about the future of the bypass

Councillors are feeling ‘positive’ about the future of the Thurles bypass project following the meeting with Minister for State Jack Chambers. 

The two Thurles councillors who attended the meeting on January 31, gave an update at this week’s Tipperary County Council plenary meeting.

 Cllr Seamus Hanafin said it was evident from the meeting that the bypass is now on the department’s agenda.

 He pointed out that it would be difficult to achieve the town’s green goals when it is “clogged with HGVs.”

But he said, from their meeting it was clear that Mr Chambers understood that and said he hoped the TII did too. 

Cllr Hanafin also said that Mr Chambers understood that the inner-relief road was not a substitute for a bypass.

 “I think we had a very good and successful day,” said Cllr Hanafin. Cllr Jim Ryan said that it was clear that Mr Chambers had looked at the need for a bypass in Thurles and came well prepared for the meeting.

 “I have attended many delegation meetings over the years, and I have to say, this meeting was very positive,” said Cllr Ryan. 

However, the councillor suggested requesting a meeting with the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan. 

He said it is important for this to be on the radar of both government representatives.  Cathaoirleach of the Thurles district, Cllr Sean Ryan, who was not at the January meeting, said he met with TII before Christmas. 

He said their delegation was told that the issue is the project is not on the National Development Plan.

But, when pushed, the TII said the plan was up for review in 2025. “I would hope with this review coming we are in a good position to put the bypass on the agenda,” said Cllr Ryan. 

Outgoing Director of the Roads section, Marcus O’Connor, lent his support to the project saying: 

“It is essential that the bypass is on the NDP,” said Mr O’Connor.

 The Meeting

The meeting in January meeting was organised by Tipperary TD Jackie Cahill.

 The delegation included Jackie Cahill, Cllr Seamus Hanafin, Cllr Jim Ryan, Pat Hayes, Kieran Linnane, John Butler, and John Nolan (Tipperary County Council).

At the time, he called the meeting “productive.”

“I was pleased to organise for the Thurles delegation to meet with my Fianna Fáil colleague, Minister Jack Chambers in the Department of Transport today to discuss the inclusion of the Thurles Bypass in the next review of the National Development Plan.

“We had a very productive meeting, and the unanimous view of the Thurles delegation was that a bypass is absolutely essential for the town for both road safety and commercial reasons.

“I am delighted that Minister Chambers committed to working very closely with us during the National Development Plan review, so that we have the best chance possible of securing the inclusion of the Thurles Bypass in the NDP.

“It was clear that the case for the Thurles Bypass was overwhelming, and I am very pleased with today’s productive meeting.

“I would like to thank Minister Chambers and his staff for organising today’s meeting and presentation, and I would like to thank the delegation for attending with me,” said Mr Cahill.