Action urgently needed to address traffic congestion in this Tipperary town

I noted last week’s article on the paper in relation to traffic congestion in Thurles.

Councillor Jim Ryan was stated to have said:

“We cannot sit back any more in Thurles, the town is chock-a-block. It is choked up with articulated lorries.”

I agree with all of Cllr Jim Ryan’s views on the current traffic issues in Thurles. However, I would point out that Cllr Ryan is a public representative for over 20 years and has a key role to play in trying to find solutions to traffic congestion in Thurles.

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 believe should be one way or no parking at all 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 their way to school.

I note that parking was restricted on Parnell Street last week for a few hours, and many locals remarked on how freely traffic flowed as a result.

I firmly feel that parking should be removed from Parnell Street or it should be made a one way street.

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.

The long-term solution is that a bypass would alleviate the need for large trucks to pass through our town but in my mind a bypass for Thurles is many years down the line, unfortunately.

This decision regarding Parnell Street can be taken immediately by our local council, and I do feel it would contribute to the improved flow of traffic through our town.

I feel a good starting point for this would be for our local councillors to fund a road safety review on Parnell Street, carried out by Independent engineers and to trial this suggestion for a two week period.

Similarly, we have heard many announcements about a relief road from Clongour to the Mill Road.

This would also play a role in reducing traffic congestion in our town.

I would be grateful if our two Thurles TDs and councillors could answer the following questions in relation to this project:

*Has all the necessary land been acquired for this project?

*Is funding committed to this project?

*Is there a projected timeline on when this road should be in use?

I have asked Mattie McGrath TD to question the Minister for Transport over the last few years about the delay in the relief road from Clongour to Mill Road.

The most recent response from the Minister for Transport in April 2023 is included below:

“The improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993.

Works on those roads are funded from local authorities’ own resources supplemented by State road grants.

“The initial selection and prioritisation of works to be funded is also a matter for the local authority.”

“The primary focus for capital investment under my Department’s Regional and Local Road Grant Programme continues to be the protection and renewal of the regional and local road network with some limited investment in road improvement projects.”

“€75,000 has been allocated to the Thurles Inner Relief Road scheme in 2023 to allow Tipperary County Council to progress the detailed design of the scheme.

“Implementation of the scheme is the responsibility of Tipperary County Council. (Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan).

It is very clear from the Minister’s response that the delays in this project are due to Tipperary County Council not having their house in order.

It is my view that this road should have been in place a number of years ago, which would have allowed the local authority to focus their efforts on lobbying for a bypass and ensuring this project was included in the National Development Plan.

I have also asked that consideration be given to a pedestrian crossing being installed at Aldi Kickham Street.

This is a very busy street with pedestrians from surrounding large housing estates attempting to cross the road, and I feel traffic calming measures need to be installed at this location.

I also 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 also feel the condition of the road surface in Thurles is a cause of concern.

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.