Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome confirmation that the much anticipated motor link between Cahir and Limerick Junction has been included in the national development plan, NDP. The provision of this vital link not only makes sense but is crucial to providing safe road infrastructure. Equally important at this time is the provision of a bypass for Tipperary town. The Minister has acknowledged this need and is on record as being in favour of an early resolution to the menace of traffic in the town. As he knows, it is in an area of high traffic, with massive congestion. The current level of traffic through the narrow Main Street in the town is measured at approximately 85,000 vehicles a week, including heavy goods vehicles. This level of traffic through the centre of any town would prove detrimental to quality of life and business activity.

In March this year, the Minister agreed with my statement in the House that Tipperary should be liberated from the scourge of traffic congestion. Having listened to the details of the misery and nuisance being suffered by businesses and residents, he acknowledged that constructing a bypass of the town, ahead of any planned major works on the N24, would provide a solution. Having listened to the points I raised and due to his familiarity with the town, the Minister stated that the provision of a 6 km to 7 km stretch of roadway would form a bypass of Tipperary town and its construction should be a priority. He concurred with my assessment that traffic in the town exceeds efficient operational capacity and it needs rescuing from unacceptable levels of traffic and pollution. He referred to the national policy and strategy he is pursuing as Minister and, in that context, stated that a Tipperary town bypass is an example of a project that should be prioritised under the town centres first strategy. He agreed that a bypass for the town could be incorporated as a priority in an upgrade of the Cahir to Limerick Junction road.

Since the revised NDP was announced, we have had contradictory statements leading to uncertainty as to when road projects will be sanctioned and delivered. Where does the Minister stand on this issue now? Will funding be provided for the project and a bypass of Tipperary town built? What is the timeline for its provision? Will he publicly reiterate that the people of the town can look forward to clean air and freedom from fumes? The time for talking about freeing up their town from chaotic congestion and poisonous pollution is over. The time for sympathising with the people who are subjected to these conditions has come and gone. The time for rhetoric has passed. It is now time to tackle the problem and we are looking to the Minister for decisive action.

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