Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The areas of policy, strategy and planning have been covered, so I will revert to what I am probably best at, which is being parochial. Ms Graham covered the X12 Bus Éireann Expressway route. In Tipperary, we are obviously greatly concerned about the X8 from Cork to Dublin because Bus Éireann, despite a great deal of pressure from many public representatives, has said it is not a commercial route.

The Cork to Dublin route is crucial to the service in Cashel. It is a major disadvantage for a heritage town, which has the Rock of Cashel and which is frequented by visitors, to have the bus stop on that route taken away. How can an adequate service be provided on that route in the absence of Bus Éireann?

My second question is for Mr. Walsh regarding the N24 road from Cahir to Limerick Junction. Will he please take me through the work that has been carried out, what progress will be made in the short term and the timescale involved? I am especially concerned about the section from Cahir to Tipperary town, which is in bad condition. The road has heavy traffic, is extremely dangerous and is not fit for purpose. In addition, we have the major issue of Tipperary town itself, which has been congested for years with HGVs. It is a major bone of contention, and it has become very difficult to find a solution. Many people, however, would say that the only way to address the issues affecting the town is a bypass. I ask Mr. Walsh to comment on that scheme.

I would also like him to comment on the situation in Thurles. It is a busy town, which again experiences traffic congestion, time delays and resultant problems with carbon emissions. The design had been completed for works there and it had advanced to the stage where the preferred routes had been identified. If Mr. Walsh does not have information on that aspect now, he might communicate with me in that regard. I would like an update on whether that project is still under consideration and the prospects of moving it forward.