'Disappointment' in Offaly at no reference to funding for new N52 link road in Minister's statement

Durrow Community Development Committee has expressed disappointment at a recent announcement from Minister Pippa Hackett that Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has confirmed funding for safety improvements at Durrow junction.

Minister Hackett's statement does not mention the proposed new N52 link road.

A statement from the development committee said that it “and the community of course welcome any safety improvements that can be provided”

But it added that “the Durrow community will not allow the recent announcement by the Minister to sideline our main objective to have funds reinstated for a new link road.”

Deputy Barry Cowen said he understood the need for immediate safety works “but not at the expense of failing to reinstate the link road to the next stage including preparation for land acquisition.”

Deputy Cowen, who said he was “furious” at the issue”, added he has sought an “urgent meeting” with the Taoiseach to “raise his deep annoyance and concerns”.

The Durrow committee's statement said the Minister’s announcement, as published in the Tribune last week, “will not improve the safety at other junctions or the safety of N52 residents who have to negotiate access to this dangerous stretch of road on a daily basis.”

It continued: “Her announcement will not reduce the density of vehicles on this road, reported by a TII survey in May of 2023 to be in excess of 16,000 per day. A number that has since substantially increased. Any figure over 10,000 per day must surely raise red flags.”

“Her announcement will not reduce the speed of vehicles outside of the junction highlighted, even if safety measures make improvement at this point. Any planned safety at this point we do not object to. Her announcement will not in any way reduce the fear of the community of serious or even fatal accidents,” outlined the committee's statement.

It added that Minister Hackett's announcement “will not deter the community from fighting for their right to have funds reinstated for a new link road that has Government approval.”

“We have the support of local Deputies Barry Cowen, Charlie Flanagan and Carol Nolan, all whom have made representations on our behalf at the highest Government level and for which we are grateful.”

The Durrow committee also highlighted the major problem with access to and from the Durrow monastic site and the N52.

“This site is of world heritage importance, where over many years of effort by the Durrow High Cross Committee to have this site, including Durrow Abbey House and lands developed as a tourist attraction, only to be told by the TII and other Government agencies that this can not be approved or happen as access to the N52 too dangerous.”

Added the committee's statement: “What defies reality here is that the route for the new link road is chosen, with no objections from land owners involved, has full Government approval with funding allocated only to have the funds withdrawn by Minister Ryan on a visit to Tullamore last year.”

The public meeting held in Durrow last December, said the statement, at which Minister Hackett attended had only one item on the agenda “the reinstatement of funds to progress the next phase of the approved link road”.