New Tipperary roads director says the Thurles Bypass project is a priority for him

Councillor Sean Ryan has asked the new director for roads at Tipperary County Council to support their efforts to have the proposed Thurles Bypass included in the National Development Plan.

He said the bypass was essential to ensure Thurles's growth as an education hub and to limit the number of HGVs coming through the town.

“This is something we have fought long and hard for. We have to do everything we can to get it on the NDP. Thurles has changed so much in the last ten years,” said Cllr Ryan.

Cllr Seamus Hanafin said the town is “in dire need of a bypass.”

He said the number of traffic-related fatalities shows there is a "significant safety issue that needs to be addressed.

“We can't do that if we have roads designed for 100 years ago,” said Cllr Hanafin.

Cllr Jim Ryan supported his district colleagues saying he feels Thurles is being “ignored and left behind.” He also asked if the council have a road safety officer.

Mr Brett responded saying it was a priority for him to see it on the NDP.

Mr Brett said the council does have a road safety officer, but it is a part time role. The officer visits schools and works on the county road strategy.

He said they would like to make it a full time position but they do not have the funding.