Long-awaited city bypass at least three years away

TRAFFIC congestion in and around Waterford city will not be eased for another three years at least as An Bord Pleanála considers various design aspects of the long-awaited bypass.

The local design team is still awaiting an An Bord Pleanála decision on compulsory purchase orders for land for the new route. It is also looking at the environmental impact the new route and bridge will have on the region.

A project spokesperson said yesterday that all going well and pending further delays or objections, it will be late 2005 at the earliest before the city bypass is complete. All depends on the appeal board’s decision and how fast lands can be purchased for the project, he said.