New hope for Tipperary bypass as TII ‘indicate’ a mid-term review of National Development Plan

Transport Infrastructure Ireland has given fresh hope for a Thurles bypass.

Cathaoirleach of Thurles-Templemore councillor Sean Ryan told members of the district council this week that he raised the need for a bypass with TII at a meeting last week.

He said the TII said they were “supportive” of the project but could not fund it as it is not on the National Development Plan.

But, he said they “indicated” that there was a mid-term review of the NDP in 2025, and there was a possibility it could be added.

“They said to do all we can to get it in on the mid-term review,” said Cllr Ryan.

Cllr Noel Coonan said this presented a “window of opportunity” to make their case.

He suggested inviting the county’s TDs to a meeting and “drive home the urgency” of the project.

Cllr Coonan said with elections coming up, deputies may be more willing to help.

“This must happen for Thurles. It is an essential New Year wish and hope for 2024,” said Cllr Coonan.

Cllr Seamus Hanafin welcomed the TII’s indication and said there was no meeting where the Thurles bypass is not raised.

He said Thurles’ roads were not designed for the heavy volume of traffic they currently accommodate and this has resulted in accidents.

However, Cllr Hanafin criticised the TII for not prioritising the project.

“It wasn’t a politician who took it off the NDP. It was the TII, and they have been hiding from it since, said Cllr Hanafin.

But, Cllr Jim Ryan disagreed.

He said that the bypass project was never on the NDP and that the county’s TDs had “failed miserably” to advocate for the project.

He said there were two TDs in Thurles, and they “couldn’t do it between them”.

He did agree that upcoming elections might provide motivation and said he encourages the public to bring it up when candidates come to the door.

Cllr Ryan said there have been four pedestrians killed by articulated trucks in Thurles in 20 years. And that TDs were failing people and families in Thurles.

“Maybe we should let Sinn Féin in and see if they can get the bypass,” said Cllr Ryan.

Cllr Ryan also criticised his district colleague and Cathaoirleach Sean Ryan for defending his party when he attempted to move the meeting on.

However, Cllr Ryan said he gave TII “both barrels” at last month’s meeting.

Design Phase

The bypass was not the only project raised at the meeting.

Cllr Ryan said he raised ongoing issues at Turtulla Cross, Tullaskeagh in Roscrea and the N62 Thurles to Templemore.

He said the TII expect, subject to funding, to assign design teams to Turtulla Cross and Tullaskeagh next year.

They said they would liaise with the road safety engineer on the issues affecting the N62.

Cllr Jim Ryan did not accept the update on Turtulla Cross.

He said that he was told that three years ago when he met with TII and that he was certain they said it last year as well.

“In the meantime, we have had a death at that junction a number of years ago, and I guarantee it will happen again,” said Cllr Ryan.

Cllr Peggy Ryan said it was she who attended last year’s meeting.

She said the engineers from TII were “very professional”.

Several councillors welcomed the developments in and outside Thurles.

Cllr Shane Lee said it was good to see TII are listening and that these roads are on their “radar”.

“It’s important that TII recognise those roads. It’s a good news story,” said Cllr Lee.