TD ‘hopeful’ of new N52 road progress
A Fianna Fáil TD says he remains hopeful the long-planned Tullamore to Kilbeggan N52 Link Road can be restored to the Programme for Government.
Deputy Tony McCormack made his comments after a meeting this week with Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien, following the omission of the project from the 2025 national roads funding allocations announced on Friday.
It's the fourth successive year there has been no funding for the Tullamore to Kilbeggan scheme.
The preferred route for the new link road was published in May 2023, but further work effectively ceased on the plan, when funding dried up.
The project was originally costed at €77.2m. The proposal is for an 8.1km route, which incorporate some 3.3km of the existing stretch.
Deputy McCormack said a central focus of the meeting was the urgent need to progress the N52 Link Road project. McCormack, who has been a long-standing advocate for the project, said: "The current N52 route, particularly around Durrow, poses significant safety risks. This link road is essential to protect our residents and support local businesses."
And despite the latest funding setback, McCormack said: “I am hopeful that, with continued advocacy, we can secure the necessary support to bring the N52 Link Road back into the Programme for Government.
"I have been working with the people of Durrow for years to achieve this. It was a top priority in my campaign, and I am committed to seeing it reinstated in the Programme for Government," he affirmed.
On Friday last, the Tullamore to Kilbeggan link road project was not listed among road schemes nationwide to be funded by a €633 million allocation for 2025.
In Offaly, some €1,908,437 was allocated but solely on maintenance and repair work on the national network including at Derrinlough and Doon.
Work on the N62 near the former briquette factory has been allocated €475,000 and €400,000 will go to improvement works on the same road near Doon.
The funding did include a €75,000 allocation for road safety works at the Durrow junction with the N52.
In a statement, Fine Gael Offaly TD John Clendennen said whilst he welcomed funding for repair work, he remained committed to "advance strategic projects such as the N52 link road from Tullamore to Kilbeggan, enhancing accessibility across the Midlands".
He said the €633m funding allocation aligned with the priorities of the National Development Plan 2021-2030 (NDP).
A review of the NDP is forthcoming, and Deputy Clendennen emphasised his dedication to ensuring that Offaly's strategic routes, including the N52 and N62, receive the necessary investment in the revised plan.
Charlie Kelleher, chair of Durrow Community Development Committee, said the group was "disappointed" that the Tullamore to Kilbeggan road scheme had not been included in the latest funding announcements last week.
"We fully believed that we would be included this time," he said.
However, he insisted the group would continue its campaign.
"We are going to fight on," he told the Offaly Independent. "We want to keep the project progressing," he said, arguing that the provision of the next phase of funding to allow further work on planning for the scheme would be key.
Meanwhile, in his meeting on Tuesday with the Transport Minister, Deputy McCormack also raised the enhancement of Clara Train Station and the potential reopening of Geashill Station
Deputy McCormack highlighted the necessity for a second platform at Clara Train Station. He confirmed that Irish Rail is currently reviewing this proposal as part of an assessment of the Portarlington to Galway line. "Introducing a second platform at Clara would allow more trains to stop, thereby minimising delays and improving service efficiency," he stated.
In addition, Deputy McCormack advocated for the reopening of Geashill Station, emphasising its strategic location and the relatively low cost associated with its reactivation. "The station infrastructure is already in place; reopening it would enhance connectivity for the community with minimal investment," he explained.