Step forward in plans for €30m Offaly road project

Offaly Fine Gael TD Marcella Corcoran Kennedy has warmly welcomed the positive development on the long running N52 Tullamore to Kilbeggan link road project.

“I am very pleased to receive confirmation, that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (formerly the National Roads Authority) has allocated €25,000 to Offaly County Council under the 2018 National Road Grant.

“The purpose of this funding is to carry out pre-appraisal studies with a view to advancing this project to Stage 1-4 planning and design under the next capital investment plan, which I understand is expected to be funded in 2019," she said.

The link road, was initially proposed more than ten years ago. A pricetag of €30m had been placed on the road, which was initially proposed as a three-lane concept.

Deputy Corcoran Kennedy explained: “Following the economic crash, the planning and design programme for national roads was cut and this vitally important link road on the N52 from Tullamore to Kilbeggan was unfortunately shelved.

“I have been working with my Fine Gael colleague on Offaly County Council, Cllr Tommy McKeigue in an effort to progress the N52 link road in light of the significant amount of preliminary work completed on the project and that a preferred route has been chosen.

“I was delighted that the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross responded to my invitation to visit Durrow last October. The Minister had the opportunity to survey the road network and see for himself the need for the new link road from the M6 at Kilbeggan to Tullamore.

Officials informed the Minister that in excess of 13,000 vehicles drive through Durrow every day.

“Tullamore as the capital town needs the link to the Galway-Dublin motorway as it would greatly enhance Offaly’s ability to develop in the years ahead. This N52 road is a major North/South link and the addition of this carriageway would greatly improve the road network for the entire region.