Long-awaited work starts on important link road in Offaly

THE long-awaited construction of the important Northern Distributor Road is underway, acting Area Engineer Pat Dermody told the Midland Tribune this week.

The town has been suffering badly from traffic congestion for years and it's hoped that this new road, linking the Tullamore Road with the Banagher Road, will make a noticeable impact on the problem.

The Contractor, Kenny Civils and Plant Ltd, Laurencetown, Galway, has been on-site for the last few weeks doing “a ground investigation and setting up” and began the physical work last week. The Engineer said the works programme for the Distributor Road will take seven months.

Councillors have pointed out in recent months that Birr is suffering badly from daily traffic jams. It's hoped that the new Distributor Road, which will run from Tullamore Road, past Lidl and the Gaelscoil, and emerge on the Banagher Road, will go some way to alleviating the problem.

The proposed South-Eastern Distributor Road will take longer to realise. It's envisaged that the South Distributor should be completed within the lifetime of the Council, before the local elections in 2029.

“The Northern Distributor Road,” said an official Council statement, “will provide a strategically important new section of road and active travel infra-structure linking the N52 and the R439 Birr to Banagher that will relieve congestion in Birr Town by providing an alternative to the existing route through the town, and assist in the decarbonisation of the town centre and further improve air quality.

“The scheme will also provide better access to the National Road Network and enhance both rural and regional connectivity.

“It is also expected to provide improved access to both primary and secondary schools within the vicinity of the scheme through the provision of a green, safe, sustainable cycling and walking infrastructure.

“The project will also open up zoned development lands and promote compact growth and permeability, and assist in promoting the tourism potential offered by Birr’s historic and unique Georgian town centre.

“This project is managed by the Roads and Transport Department of Offaly County Council and TOBIN Consulting Engineers under the guidance of the Offaly County Council Director of Services.”

“The Road when completed,” said Cllr Audrey Hennessy Kennedy, Cathaoirleach Offaly County Council, “will help to alleviate congestion from our Town Centre, St Brendan’s Community school and will create a much-needed link between the N52 and the R439. This Council will continue to deliver on targeted schemes such as the Birr North Distributor Road which will help promote Offaly as a place to live, work and visit.”