BREAKING: €8.4-million TII funding allocated to Tipperary County Council

Transport Infrastructure Ireland has allocated funding of €8.4-million to Tipperary County Council to improve roads and footpaths.

The funding for Tipperary comes as part of an overall funding package of €1.5-billion announced today by Minister Darragh O’Brien.

€718-million has been allocated for regional and local roads as part of the funding which will allow approximately 2,800 kilometres of road to be maintained and 2,330 kilometres to be improved.

A total of over €2 million in funding has been secured for Thurles projects.

€1.6 million has been secured to deliver significant public realm and infrastructure improvements in Thurles town centre, providing a major boost to the town’s accessibility, safety and long-term economic vitality.

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This new funding will allow for road surface and footpath enhancement works along Stradavoher Road from Liberty Square to Dunnes Stores roundabout. The works will improve connectivity and accessibility, supporting both residential and commercial activity.

The funding will also allow the County Council to advance the second phase of the redevelopment of Liberty Square which will build on the transformative progress already made, further enhancing the public realm, pedestrian experience and overall attractiveness of the town centre.

€200,000 has been allocated to progress the proposed critical safety improvement works at Turtulla Cross aimed at addressing longstanding safety concerns.

These works will include the construction of a new roundabout designed to improve traffic flow, enhance road safety, and significantly reduce collision risk at this busy junction.

The design stage of the Thurles Inner relief Road will be concluded, and the project progressed to tender stage.

The Thurles Bypass is included in the current National Development Plan. It must now be progressed through the various project phases.

The council will be funded to revisit the previous Bypass project proposal starting with a view to formulating a new scheme.

This funding marks another significant step forward in the ongoing regeneration of Thurles, ensuring the town continues to grow in a sustainable, safe and economically progressive manner.

Ongoing dangerous speeding issues through Main Street in Ballina are to be addressed. €185,000 has been allocated to install traffic calming measures and the work will include a raised table, pedestrian crossings and safety signage.

A project for Birdhill has been sanctioned at a cost of €380,000.

This scheme involves extensive traffic calming measures, new footpaths and cycleway. The completed works will greatly enhance the village of Birdhill.

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"I welcome the funding of €8.4million allocated to Tipperary County Council and I am pleased that several projects which I have promoted are included in the scheme of works," North Tipperary Independent TD, Deputy Michael Lowry said.

"The improvement of road surfaces and footpaths throughout my Constituency has been a priority for me since the formation of the new Government.

"Significant works have already been carried out throughout the area and today’s announcement is further tangible evidence of that commitment," Deputy Lowry said.

North Tipperary Fianna Fáil TD, Deputy Ryan O'Meara also welcomed the funding announcement:

“I am delighted to welcome significant investment in our regional and national roads here in North Tipperary. This funding will make a real difference in communities right across the county allowing safer roads and more efficient journeys.

“I am particularly delighted to see the Latteragh Upgrade included today. This project is critical for transport across the county, and I am keen to see it progress quickly to allow commuters and those who use the road to have access to increased connectivity and reliable transportation,” he said.

“Fianna Fáil is committed to maintaining and strengthening our national and regional road networks right across the country.

"These roads are used daily for many across the county. Today’s investment ensures that our roads remain safe and meet the needs of all road users.

“Investing in road infrastructure is critical for supporting the growth of the local economy, making daily commutes safer and more efficient and for ensuring the road infrastructure we have is sustained into the future,” Deputy O'Meara said.