Good news for Tipperary as long-awaited project returns to Government’s transport agenda

After years of delays, the long-awaited Thurles bypass is once again under consideration by the Government. The proposed route is seen as vital to easing chronic traffic congestion in the town centre, where heavy goods vehicles frequently block Liberty Square due to the absence of an alternative road.

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The project, which had previously made significant progress in its design phase, was dropped during the economic crash when infrastructure spending was curtailed.

Independent TD Michael Lowry has now confirmed that the bypass has been reinstated in the National Development Plan, following sustained efforts on his part to secure its inclusion.

“Thurles Bypass will be funded to advance through the various approval stages including design and planning and be ready for construction by 2030. The National Development Plan will be formally announced on Tuesday the 25th of November,” Mr Lowry said.

He explained that his ongoing cooperation with Government was aimed at delivering projects that benefit his constituency.

“My reason for supporting successive Governments is to place myself in a position to deliver for the people who elect me. With the formation of this Government, I made the provision of a bypass for Thurles my top priority,” he said.

According to Mr Lowry, the scheme has now been designated as a key priority during the lifetime of the current Government.

“A bypass for Thurles has long been recognised by local businesspeople, public representatives, the Local Authority and the wider community as the key to unlocking the town’s true economic potential. I will now pursue and insist that this project advances through the various procedural stages. I will be insisting on tangible progress to ensure that it is ready for construction in 2030,” he said.

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