Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is not usual for me to get good news, a Cheann Comhairle, so I certainly welcome the Minister's commitment to the project. I acknowledge that support, from the time I made the proposal to him and to the House that a bypass for Tipperary town be prioritised and should happen as the start of any project to upgrade the N24. It makes sense and I am glad he still agrees with the proposal. I welcome that he has informed TII of his priority in that regard. The commitment he has given today makes it a good day for Tipperary. It is time to give the town back to the people who live there.

I want to raise a point in the context of the Minister's position as one of the leaders of the Government. At my request, a task force was established with cross-agency reach to address a multitude of problems in Tipperary town. The group has received a huge level of engagement and co-operation from the community. To date, it has completed a substantial body of work and published a detailed plan. For it to retain the trust and confidence of the public, it is necessary for the Government to deliver a fully funded and tangible action plan. The most appropriate way to start this process is to have the Minister's confirmation today that he is in favour of a bypass for the town. I very much welcome it.

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