'Bureaucracy and local obstacles' hold up Thurles road projects
Minister for Public Expenditure was in Thurles to see the issues at Turtulla Corss, the M8 Junction at Two Mile Borris, and the site of the Inner Relief Road
There may be some cautious optimism in north Tipperary for major infrastructure projects, as the Minister for Public Expenditure paid a visit to Thurles on Friday, September 15.
He was in town with Fianna Fáil colleague Deputy Ryan O’Meara, but Independent TD Michael Lowry was also on hand to discuss both the Thurles Inner Relief Road and the Turtulla Cross road safety improvement works. Minister Chambers also visited the M8 junction at Two Mile Borris with Deputy O’Meara, who highlighted the issues at the junction.
“Councillor Seán Ryan and I raised the need for full access to the motorway in both northbound and southbound directions” said Deputy O’Meara
“At present there is only limited access at the junction, which has been a longstanding issue for the local area. Cllr Ryan has been championing this issue locally and I was glad that we could raise it directly with Minister Chambers and ask that it now be brought forward with TII.”
INNER RELIEF ROAD
Regarding the Inner Relief Road, both local TDs highlighted the urgency of the project to relieve the chronic traffic in the town.
Deputy Lowy said that both it, and the Turtualla Cross works, had “faced unnecessary delays due to bureaucracy and local obstacles.”
“The Inner Relief Road is a critical piece of infrastructure that will significantly alleviate traffic congestion in Thurles. It is a project that has been needed for many years, and with the necessary elements now in place, there is a real opportunity to commence works in the near future.”
TURTULLA CROSS
Deputy Lowry went on to “commend” the Golf Club, “which has worked constructively with Tipperary County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to make lands available for the development of a roundabout and pedestrian walkway at this junction.”
Deputy O’Meara said he wanted to see the project sped up, albeit it is progressing; a Part 8 process for the project was put out to public consultation in July.
“Thurles is choked with traffic and the Inner Relief Road is badly needed. It will provide an important connection between the Slievenamon Road and Mill Road and help take pressure off the town centre.
“This project is progressing, but I want to see that process expedited. Government and Tipperary County Council must continue working together to get it delivered as quickly as possible.
The Fianna Fáil TD thanked the Thurles Golf Club for hosting the group.
“Turtulla Cross has been a road safety issue for many years and progressing the proposed roundabout is extremely important for people travelling through the area every day.
“All three of these projects will require continued Government support and significant funding to move forward. That is why it was important to get Minister Chambers on the ground in Thurles today, to see the issues for himself and to understand the importance of getting these projects delivered as quickly as possible.