Delay in work on 'traffic risk' Offaly road a major concern

Delay in work on the upgrade of the road between Tullamore and Kilbeggan was highlighted at the Annual General Meetings of the Fianna Fail Cumanns of Ballinamere and Durrow recently.

The meetings were held in Esker Hills Golf club recently and were chaired by PJ Lynam, Chairman of the Comhairle Ceantair.

There was a large crowd in attendance and a wide range of topics were discussed.

Members were concerned at the delays in progressing the upgrade to the N52 roadway, between Tullamore and Kilbeggan.

A total of 14,500 vehicles travel on this roadway on a daily basis and there was serious traffic risks at the Four Roads junction and at the entrance to the school, church/graveyard.

It can take up to fifteen minutes to cross this road during busy periods which is a potential for a serious incident. PJ Lynam updated the meeting regarding a recent delegation which met with Minister Jack Chambers with a view to progressing the upgrade.

The meeting was arranged by Deputy Barry Cowen and included representatives of the local community.

The meeting also highlighted the need for improved traffic management at the entrance to the Community Centre/GAA facilities and requested that this issue be brought to the attention of Offaly County Council with a view to introducing some traffic calming measures.

Joe Gaffey thanked the organisation for their presentation to him in recognition of his long service as Treasurer of Offaly Fianna Fail. It was very much appreciated and he and his wife Maureen enjoyed the night immensely.

Joe also raised concerns regarding the proposals for the rewetting of low lying lands. This will have very serious implications for the livelihoods of many families and will particularly effect many areas in Offaly.

Farmers in these areas have worked very hard over many generations to improve their farms which was the life blood of many communities sustaining many families and local businesses. It was agreed that this issue would be raised at Ministerial level as a matter of urgency to highlight the implications for many rural areas as it was likely to be enacted as EU legislation shortly.

Many other issues were discussed at the Meeting which ended with tea and beverages.