€29.5m roads funding bonanza for the county

Tipperary politicians have welcomes the decision by the Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan to sign off on funding to the value of just over €29.5 million for local and regional road works in the county.

Among the areas to benefit will be Latteragh, Portroe, Kilcommon and bridge works at Kilmastulla on the N7 near Birdhill. The political figures welcoming the investment included Fianna Fáil TD Jackie Cahill, Independent Michael Lowry, Fine Gael senator, Garret Ahearn and Labour Leader Alan Kelly and his colleague Cllr Fiona Bonfield.

Deputy Cahill said he is regularly contacted by constituents in relation to roads issues around Tipperary. He said a number of the projects that he has been working on for some time now are included in last Monday's announcement by the Minister, and he welcomed this very positive news for the county.

He said: “I am delighted to confirm that Minister Ryan has signed off on almost €30 million in funding for Tipperary roads. I have been pushing hard for certain key road improvements to be carried out in Tipperary, and I am delighted to see a number of these included.

“The Clionbeg Bridge in Aherlow is set to receive €150,000 for specific improvement grants for 2021. The Latteragh upgrade on the Thurles to Nenagh road will receive €500,000. As someone who drives the Nenagh-Thurles road regularly, I know how badly these works are needed around Latteragh.”

"Under the Bridge Rehabilitation Works Scheme, which will also be financed under the announcement, 10 bridges around the county will have works carried out on them, such as the Knockrenihan Culvert in Portroe that I understand from locals has needed attention for some time now. The Kilmastulla Bridge on the old N7 near Birdhill will see improvement works to the value of €150,000 being carried out. Knockshanbrittas Bridge in Kilcommon, Clashnasmut Bridge in Ahenny, Rusheen Bridge in Borrisoleigh, Ballynera in Drombane, and Rossmore Creamery Bridge are among those to be included in these works, and will see funding ranging from €10,000 to €150,000."

Deputy Cahill added; "2021 will also see safety improvement works being carried out at the junction of the R497 and R503 at Knockmaroe to the value of €195,000. The junction at the top of O’Brien Street in Tipperary Town will also see a €40,000 investment to bring some shape to this junction. I am also very pleased to confirm that €90,000 has been secured for the R502 in Templetuohy.

"Finally, the old N8, now R639, has been allocated €500,000 for relining, gully works and manhole replacements. I know those who travel this road regularly will be pleased to hear of this investment."

Labour's Alan Kelly and Cllr Bonfield have welcomed the funding announced to have works carried out to Kilmastulla Bridge on the R445-8 in Birdhill and also to a collapsed culvert in Portroe at Knockrenihan on the L6043-0. Works will be carried out later this year. Deputy Michael Lowry said the main priority in 2021 is the maintenance and renewal of the country’s existing regional and local road network. This type of routine maintenance is fundamental to safeguarding our road infrastructure and keeping the network in a good condition.

Welcoming the funding, Senator Ahearn said: Senator Ahearn continued: "Maintaining our regional and local road network in Tipperary is not only important for connectivity, but crucial to ensuring safety on our roads, reducing road collisions and protecting lives. Funding for the roll out of a signage programme relating to lower speed limits in housing areas as well as ‘safe passing’ signs for cyclists will also be provided for as part of the allocations."