Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this item for discussion on the Adjournment and thank the Minister for taking it.

I appeal to the Minister to fast-track the Tipperary Town bypass, which is part of the N24. It is vital to the economic and social development of the town, west Tipperary and south Tipperary generally. There is considerable frustration in the county, particularly in west Tipperary, as a result of the considerable delays relating to the project. It has been ongoing for very many years and was promised by successive Governments.

Tipperary Town Council, South Tipperary County Council and Oireachtas Members for Tipperary South have been meeting Ministers and Department officials about the bypass for 12 years or more, yet the very important project has not been commenced. It is effectively the link between Limerick and Rosslare. It is vital to the economic and social development of the county.

The main street of Tipperary Town is choked with traffic every day. Business is affected. The health and safety of the population is affected on an ongoing basis. Tipperary Town is a RAPID town and has very high unemployment. It had high unemployment even during the Celtic tiger years. The bypass of the town is vital to business and economic development in the town and south Tipperary generally.

There was a positive cost-benefit analysis of the project. The environmental impact statement is being prepared, as are the compulsory purchase orders. I appeal to the Minister to fast-track the project urgently. If we are to proceed as we are doing at present, it could be more than six years before it will be completed.

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