Tipperary road projects secure backing as Government unveils largest-ever transport investment plan

Three major road projects in North Tipperary have been formally included in the Government’s newly published National Development Plan Review 2025, with Fianna Fáil TD for North Tipperary Ryan O’Meara welcoming what he described as “a milestone day” for the region.

The updated National Development Plan (NDP) lists the Thurles Inner Relief Road, the Latteragh Re-alignment Road and the Thurles Bypass among the projects to proceed, with Deputy O’Meara confirming their advancement following a series of meetings with Minister for Housing Darragh O’Brien.

“I am delighted to have worked alongside my Fianna Fáil colleague, Minister Darragh O’Brien, to ensure the inclusion of these projects in the National Development Plan,” he said.
He noted that the Thurles Inner Relief Road was already progressing at “a very good pace”, and said today’s confirmation provides certainty for both that project and the Latteragh scheme.

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“The National Development Plan now makes it clear that the Thurles Inner Relief Road and the Latteragh Re-alignment Road will be funded and delivered during the lifetime of this government,” Deputy O’Meara stated.

He also welcomed movement on the larger, long-term Thurles Bypass project, which will now proceed to the Pre-Approval Gate 1 process. “We now have a clear roadmap for its delivery under the National Development Plan,” he said, adding that the bypass will remain “an absolute priority” for him.

Deputy O’Meara paid tribute to Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister O’Brien for their engagement on the projects since his election to the Dáil.

Meanwhile, the broader national transport announcement has been hailed by Fine Gael as the most ambitious and future-focused investment programme ever published by the State.
Deputy Michael Murphy, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Transport, said the new NDP Transport Sectoral Plan 2026–2030 represents “a once in a generation opportunity” to reshape Ireland’s infrastructure.

“This transport investment programme will shape Ireland for a generation,” he said. “This sets a new standard for long-term transport delivery, with major road upgrades and transformative projects such as MetroLink, DART+, BusConnects and a significant expansion of active travel.”

Deputy Murphy highlighted the economic cost of congestion—estimated at €330m annually in the Greater Dublin Area and rising to €1.5bn by 2040—as well as the need for reliable and low-emission transport to support housing and population growth.

The plan includes a steady increase in annual allocations for the national road network, rising from €1.6bn in 2026 and 27 to €2.7bn by 2030. According to Murphy, this will not only develop and maintain key routes but contribute to the goal of halving road deaths and serious injuries by 2030.

“Fine Gael pushed hard for a faster, more accountable system focused on delivery, not delay,” he said. “Ireland is done waiting, now we’re building. People want to see shovels in the ground.”

As Chair of the Transport Committee, Murphy committed to ensuring strong oversight so the plan “delivers results for families, commuters and communities across Ireland.”