Funding needed for major infrastructure projects
Fianna Fáil TD for North Tipperary, Deputy Ryan O’Meara, has brought Minister for Public Expenditure and Infrastructure Jack Chambers to Thurles to see first hand a number of key infrastructure projects for the town and surrounding area.
During the visit, Deputy O’Meara and Minister Chambers visited the M8 junction at Two Mile Borris, the proposed Thurles Inner Relief Road and Turtulla Cross.
Speaking following the visit, Deputy O’Meara said: “I was delighted to welcome Minister Chambers to the constituency today and to have the opportunity to show him first hand some of the key infrastructure projects that we need to progress for Thurles and the surrounding area.
“Our first stop was the M8 junction at Two Mile Borris, where local Fianna Fáil Councillor Seán Ryan and I raised the need for full access to the motorway in both northbound and southbound directions.
“At present there is only limited access at the junction, which has been a longstanding issue for the local area. Cllr Ryan has been championing this issue locally and I was glad that we could raise it directly with Minister Chambers and ask that it now be brought forward with TII.
“We then visited the proposed site of the Thurles Inner Relief Road. Securing the inclusion of this project in the National Development Plan was something I strongly advocated for with Minister Chambers and the focus now has to be on progressing its delivery without delay.
“Thurles is choked with traffic and the Inner Relief Road is badly needed. It will provide an important connection between the Slievenamon Road and Mill Road and help take pressure off the town centre.
“This project is progressing, but I want to see that process expedited. Government and Tipperary County Council must continue working together to get it delivered as quickly as possible.
“Finally, I would like to thank Thurles Golf Club for hosting Minister Chambers and me, alongside other elected representatives including Cllr Kay Cahill Skehan and Cllr Seán Ryan, to discuss the Turtulla Cross scheme and the ongoing work with Tipperary County Council and TII.
“Turtulla Cross has been a road safety issue for many years and progressing the proposed roundabout is extremely important for people travelling through the area every day.
“All three of these projects will require continued Government support and significant funding to move forward. That is why it was important to get Minister Chambers on the ground in Thurles today, to see the issues for himself and to understand the importance of getting these projects delivered as quickly as possible.
“I will continue working with Minister Chambers, Minister O’Brien, Tipperary County Council and TII to push these projects forward and secure the funding needed for Thurles."