‘It's only a matter of time before someone is killed,’ councillors call for action on Turtulla cross

Thurles councillors have renewed their calls for action on Turtulla Cross.

A full sitting of Tipperary County Council last week heard that the council met with Transport Infrastructure Ireland to discuss road priorities for the county.

Cllr Sean Ryan said the road was ‘very dangerous’ and the council needed to ensure it remained on the agenda.

Cllr Jim Ryan said the road had been raised many times, and no action has been taken.

“It’s only a matter of time before someone is killed,” said Cllr Ryan.

Cllr Seamus Hanafin supported his colleagues in their comments calling the road a “hugely problematic junction.”

He said it is particularly dangerous around Archerstown, and while there has been interest by TII, “progress has been slow enough.”

Director of Services Marcus O’Connor said he was hopeful for Turtulla Cross.

“I would be more hopeful with Turtulla Cross than I have been. I think TII are genuinely aware of the issue and are engaging with us,” said Mr O’Connor.

TII

However, while commenting on the entire TII meeting, Mr O’Connor said no promises were made on any road.
“As is usually the case, TII did not give us any definite commitment to any of them,” said Mr O’Connor.

Also raised at the meeting was Carrigahorig.

Cllr Ger Darcy said he welcomed the meeting but remains concerned about Carrigahorig.

“It has to be done sooner or later. We need to keep it in front of the TII,” said Cllr Darcy.

On a more positive note, Cllr Phyl Bugler welcomed the signing of the contract for the Ballina Killaloe bridge.

She thanked Marcus O’Connor and his staff for their work on the project.

“This is the best day of our lives in Ballina to have this bridge. We are busy. We don’t make a song and dance about it like Killarney, but we are busy.

“On behalf of the people of Ballina, we are grateful,” said Cllr Bugler.

Chair of the Strategic Policy Committee for roads, Cllr Michael O’Meara, said representatives put their ‘best foot forward’.

He said while no commitments were given, the meeting enhances the relationship between TII and Tipperary County Council. He said progress was being made.

“While it is hard to pin TII down, I think a lot of the work will get done,” said Cllr O’Meara.