Offaly drivers face huge 40km diversion into different county for tiny road closure

UPDATE: Offaly County Council have informed the Offaly Express that this road closure and associated works have been postponed until a later date.

Offaly drivers face what Offaly County Council has admitted is "a lengthy diversion" next week due to "essential road repairs."

The short road closure will be in place on the R402 between Daingean and Ballinagar, the main route from Daingean to Tullamore, from November 3 to November 5, 2025, and the diversion will take locals into neighbouring Laois. Drivers heading from Edenderry to Tullamore will also be impacted.

In a statement, the council said this is a "temporary road closure of the R402-8 at Clonadd, Daingean."

"This road will be closed to traffic on Monday 03/11/2025 to 05/11/2025 between the hours of 07:00 and 18:00," they added.

This road closure is being put in place to facilitate essential road repairs.

Offaly County Council says it regrets any inconvenience caused to road users and advised drivers to allow extra time for their journey.

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"Please note this is a lengthy diversion route and road users should allow additional time for their journey on the dates of the Road Closure," they added.

Drivers attempting to drive from Daingean to Ballinagar will be diverted back to Mount Lucas, out towards Walsh Island, into Portarlington in Co Laois, back through Cloneygowan and Geashill before reaching their destination. The diversion is 40km long.

Diversion Route:

Traffic travelling East to divert via Ballina Cross to Portarlington, via Cushina and the R400 (North) to Mountlucas

Traffic Travelling West to divert onto the R400 (South) at Mount Lucas to Portarlington and onto the R420 towards Tullamore