TII must release its grip on funding for Tullamore-Kilbeggan link road

Independent TD Carol Nolan has described a response from the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan regarding the dangers along the N52 between the N4 intersection at Kilbeggan to the Tullamore bypass, as lacking any sense of urgency and ‘simply more of the same guff that we have been listening to for years now.’

Deputy Nolan had asked the minister if he would urgently reconsider the allocation of funding specifically to address the ongoing concerns of the Durrow community as well as all parties who are affected by the dangers presented by the dangerous stetch of road that has been in clear need of a new link-road:

“We are way beyond the point now where the minister can get away with constantly referring the matter to the attention of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII),” said Deputy Nolan.

“The minister tells me that both TII and Offaly County Council are “aware of visibility and safety issues on the N52 at Durrow, and that work is underway to design a new junction,” but this does not advance us in any way from the position we have been in for the last number of years.”

“We keep hearing that the link road is being ‘prioritised’ but this is absolutely meaningless in the absence of the actual link-road being constructed.”

“The Durrow community and indeed many others, have time and again presented an overwhelming case for action that I have consistently supported. It is high time that action was delivered and not just talked about as the subject of vague commitments with no real outcome,” concluded Deputy Nolan.

ENDS

Note to Editor:

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For Written Answer on 07/2024
Question Number(s): 160 Question Reference(s): 27934/24
Department: Transport
Asked by: Carol Nolan T.D.
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QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Transport if he will reconsider the urgent concerns of the Durrow community and all parties who are affected by the dangers presented by the N52 between the N4 intersection at Kilbeggan to the Tullamore bypass; if he will reinstate funding to proceed with the new bypass route as planned and already agreed, without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the operation and management of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals. In this context, TII is best placed to advise you.



I understand that TII and Offaly County Council are aware of visibility and safety issues on the N52 at Durrow, and that work is underway to design a new junction.