Accessibility in Offaly town will be enhanced with opening of new inner relief road

Phase Two of the new €3.4 million Edenderry Inner Relief Road will improve accessibility in and around the north Offaly town, Transport Minister, Eamon Ryan, said on Friday as he performed the official opening of the development.

Both Phase One and Phase Two have been delivered by Offaly County Council in collaboration with the Department of Transport, which funded the schemes under the Specific Improvement Grant Programme.

The scheme, which cost over €3.4 million, provides significant Active Travel Infrastructure including pedestrian and cycling paths and associated controlled crossing points as well as public lighting.

This new infrastructure provides commuters with an alternative option when travelling through Edenderry. The scheme will help reduce the negative impacts of peak time traffic flows within Edenderry Town centre and will provide greater scope and options for the delivery of targeted works designed to promote and deliver on our Town Centre First Plans for Edenderry Town Centre.

Performing the official opening, Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, TD, said: “It is great to be here in Edenderry today for the official opening of this important Inner Relief road. It is a significant day for residents and businesses, and those who visit the town. The road will ease traffic congestion in Edenderry’s town centre and reduce journey times. It will create a safer travel environment and improve public transport accessibility. It also incorporates a network of pedestrian and cycle-friendly infrastructure which is connected to residential communities, schools, recreational spaces, public transport and businesses. This is smart, integrated transport planning that caters for all road users and keeps everyone moving safely and helps bring Edenderry back to life for people and families.”

Anna Marie Delaney, Chief Executive with Offaly County Council, confirmed: “This strategically important piece of infrastructure continues to deliver on the commitments made by Offaly County Council in our Corporate Plan and complements the many National and Regional Policies which promote development within County Offaly.”

Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr Eddie Fitzpatrick outlined “the completion of Phase 2, which lies within the northern part of Edenderry, now completes the link between the R-402 (Dublin Road) to the R-441 (Rhode Road) and provides greater permeability for all wishing to use the services within Edenderry Town”.

Director of Roads Department with the Council, Mr Tom Shanahan added “while both Phase 1 and Phase 2 provide approximately 2.1km of newly constructed or repurposed roadway, we have also delivered approximately 3.3km of a combination of newly constructed and upgraded fully illuminated cycleway and walkway infrastructure. These elements of the scheme continue our commitment with regards the provision of safe green sustainable infrastructure designed to promote Modal Shift in line with National Policy.”

Edenderry District Manager, Mr Andrew Murray A/Director of Services with Offaly County Council thanked Tower Plant & Civil Engineering Ltd, the main contactor responsible for the delivery of both Phase 1 and Phase 2, and scheme consultants TOBIN Consulting Engineers. Mr Murray concluded “The scheme was project managed by our own Road and Transportation Department with support from Edenderry Municipal District Members and staff.”