Latest progress report shows these Tipperary road projects are moving forward

Works to calm traffic on the N75 Thurles are expected to begin in August and should take between three and four months to complete.

Michael Wolfe from Roads Capital gave councillors at last week’s sitting of Thurles-Templemore Municipal District, an update on the plan following public consultations at the end of last year.

Mr Wolfe told councillors that there were six submissions, which did not require significant changes to the plan.

Councillor Seamus Hanafin pointed out one submission related to a sight line at the Elmwood estate.

He said this was the time to deal with such issues.

“These are estates of significant size and on busy junctions and roads,” said Cllr Hanafin.
Cllr Sean Ryan supported his colleague, saying he shared Cllr Hanafin’s concerns.

“That road is extremely dangerous, and the roads do come in very very quickly, said Cllr Ryan. Cllr Ryan also said that another submission had referenced the level of communication the council had with residents on the Slievenamon Road plan.

He asked that that be a priority on this plan to limit the inconvenience of the works. Cllr Jim Ryan raised concerns about HGVs reversing back into the estate without being able to see clearly behind them.

“The last thing we want is to cause a pedestrian death, " said Cllr Ryan.

Mr Wolfe said that the way their design was constructed, it will improve the sight lines. But he said it was really important that they move the works along.

He said it has been designed so that no additional land need be purchased.

“We need to drive on,” said Mr Wolfe.

Mr Wolfe also said he agreed that communication was important for the success of the plan.

“It will be relatively quick hopefully, and that will cut down on the disturbance,” said Mr Wolfe.

This plan involves the rehabilitation of 1km of road pavement on the N75 from the junction with Mitchel Street to the Anner Hotel.

Slievenamon Road

Councillors received an update on a number of other road projects in Thurles.

The Slievenamon Road project is currently in the design phase, and the council have chosen a consultant.

Mr Wolfe said they are now just waiting for departmental approval.

He said it is their hope to begin work on the Slievenamon Road as soon as the work on Liberty Square is complete.

Inner-Relief Road

Mr Wolfe told councillors that they are due to meet with the Department of Transport on the progress of the inner relief road soon.

He said an allocation of funding has been made recently which is welcome news.

“That is moving slowly, but there is money allocated to it,“ said Mr Wolfe.