€1.6 million improvement scheme for Carrigahorig

Details of a €1.6 million village improvement scheme for Carrighorig were presented at the May meeting of Nenagh Municipal District. Focusing on a 2km stretch of the N65, the scheme arises from a Transport Infrastructure Ireland assessment of Carrigahorig, which found concern with speeding traffic. Lack of public lighting and pedestrian connectivity were also identified as concerns.

The main objectives of the scheme are to improve the structural strength of the pavement, provide safe pedestrian and cyclist passage through the village, and reduce traffic speeds. Junction improvement works are to take place along with the installation of a footpath with pedestrian crossing at the former fuel station on the Borrisokane side of the village.

Brendan Lyons, Technical Director of Transport with consultants RPS, told the meeting that it would not be necessary to refer the plan to An Bord Pleanála, as had originally been thought. A Part 8 public consultation process would commence in June.

A meeting with local stakeholders and council engineers took place in February of last year. There was also a letter-drop seeking the feedback of local residents. TII approved the preferred design before last Christmas. Discussions with the landowners most affected by the scheme are ongoing. Following the consideration of submissions, Mr Lyons anticipated that the go-ahead for the scheme would be given in early November. He added that the two footbridges over the stream in Carrigahorig were structurally assessed as part of the scheme. Both bridges require replacing and separate TII funding is needed for this.

Welcoming the scheme, Cllr Joe Hannigan said it presents an opportunity to extend the footpath up the hill on the Borrisokane side. He appreciated that this was not considered due to the absence of houses on one side of the road but said an extended path could help with the future development of the village. Also welcoming the the plan was Cllr Ger Darcy, who asked if consideration had been given to widening the carriageway. Mr Lyons replied that to do so would only increase traffic speeds. Cllr Darcy said large trucks need to use the carriageway as well. He asked those present to keep the flooding issue on the other side of Carrigahorig on their agenda as a related matter.

Cllr Séamie Morris welcomed the progressing of the project to the part 8 stage. He said it was a relief that the project will not require Bord Pleanála permission, which could have delayed it by another nine months.

Cllr Morris also welcomed that there has been good engagement with local people on the matter.