Traffic congestion in Thurles town continues to affect the quality of life

There has been much talk recently about traffic congestion in Thurles and how a bypass is the key to solving our congestion issues in Thurles. 

We all know that if a bypass was sanctioned in the morning it would take many years until it came into use.

 I feel our local council should be focusing on interventions that are within their control in the short term to ease traffic congestion and make the roads safer for all within the community. 

I would argue that our local council have let Thurles down in failing to effectively deal with traffic delays in Thurles over the years. 

My first example of this is Parnell Street which I feel should have no parking on the street.

I know this is controversial, but action is necessary. In recent years ambulance personnel have spoken openly about the delays that they face trying to get through Parnell Street and in their situation every second is vital. 

The issue of large trucks mounting the kerbs is also a danger to pedestrians especially all the young children making teir way to school. 

I don’t think for a moment that interventions in relation to Parnell Street would solve all our traffic issues, but it would be a major starting point. 

I have made my views very clear to Tipperary County Council in relation to Parnell Street. 

I have been informed recently by council officials that they do intend to review parking byelaws in the town in conjunction with phase two works on Liberty Square and the option of removing parking on Parnell Street will be addressed as part of this overall review. 

This is to be welcomed and I encourage local people to make their views known to public representations on this issue and to take part in public consultations that may occur.

I now want to outline concerns that I have within our town and I am disappointed that our local council have not worked to resolve them over the last number of years. I cannot understand why street lighting has not been continued on the Holycross road out to Dew Valley. 

This is the town’s biggest employer and many workers in the factory walk that route on a daily basis. 

I am also really concerned for the safety of people walking on the Mill Road where the footpath stops abruptly at the Glebe housing estate and pedestrians have to contend with live traffic.

 I am very firm on my views that a footpath and lighting should be extended to Thurles Gaels GAA pitch without delay. 

We have many pedestrians including young people walking out to this GAA pitch with no footpath or street lighting. 

To think we have local councillors driving this road everyday and it has not been addressed is scandalous in my view. I have constantly spoken about concerns in relation to speeding on Loughtagalla Road coming into Thurles.

This is a busy road and is used by many people on a daily basis visiting St. Patrick’s Cemetery. 

The footpath terminates abruptly on the southern side of Loughtagalla Road heading towards the cemetery, forcing all pedestrians currently using this footway out into the carriageway where there is no provision for a footpath ahead on the same side of the road, and no provision for a safe crossing point to the footpath on the opposite side of the road. 

This has been highlighted in a detailed report carried out by Kilkenny based company Road Safety Matters and the local council have yet to discuss this detailed report with local residents who commissioned this report in July 2021 which runs to 48 pages.

We can constantly see large potholes developing on the bridge and Liberty Square. 

This requires a proper repair job to ensure it is long lasting. The Thurles Municipal District Council should also update the public on how they intend to make Turtulla Cross safer for all road users. There are many steps the local council can take to help tackle traffic congestion immediately.

These changes are in the remit of our local councillors who have avoided making tough decisions regarding traffic in Thurles for many years. 

If we can’t resolve these issues what hope do we ever have of seeing a bypass?