Breakthrough for this Tipperary town's inner relief road project

After a long time, it seems like there may be a breakthrough in the Thurles inner relief road saga.

In a statement this week, Tipperary TD Michael Lowry said that the council and the landowner of the final 4.5 acres of land have come to an agreement to negotiate.

Deputy Lowry said that the legal title is in order and a ‘process to negotiate’ had been agreed.

He also said that independent valuers had been appointed on Friday. Deputy Lowry said the deal will need to include the completion of the pedestrian footpath from the Dublin Road roundabout to Lady’s Well.

“I am pleased that the impasse is overcome. Funding for a new bridge over the river Suir and the new roadway has been committed by successive ministers. It’s long past the time to get the project moving.

“Contrary to the misleading impression given in recent commentary the land owner has at all times been willing to facilitate this vital piece of infrastructure on reasonable and fair terms,” said Mr Lowry.

Tipperary TD Jackie Cahill told the Tipperary Star that he was aware the issue was now on its way to being resolved.

He said that while there was an issue regarding the landowner, he has been raising the issue at Government level.

“Government delivers,” said Mr Cahill. 

Responding to a query by the Tipperary Star, Tánaiste Micheál Martin, at this week’s think-in at the Horse and Jockey, said that he knows Minister of State Jack Chambers was aware of the situation.

He said they would like to support the progression of the road because they know it will be of benefit to the town as the educational institutions expand.

“We will see how we can progress that because we are conscious of the significant addition to third level education in Thurles, which is something myself and Jackie Cahill visited recently, which is good news for Thurles.

"There are some very exciting plans on the education front for Thurles, and all of that means we have to relieve the traffic congestion.

“Having visited Semple stadium and even though I walk up, I'm very well aware of the traffic congestion that can build up that can occur,” said Tánaiste Martin.

The Tipperary Star also reached out to Tipperary County Council for comment. However, no response was received at time of publishing.