‘Massive boost’ as €300m road project gets all-clear

THE biggest construction project ever undertaken in south Tipperary is set to commence within months.

A 38-kilometre dual carriageway between Cashel and Mitchelstown, together with a 3.3-kilometre stretch between Cahir and Clonmel, will take three years to complete and will cost €300 million.

“It is the biggest construction programme ever undertaken in the county,” said South Tipperary County Council’s director of services, Billy McEvoy. “Given its strategic location on the main Cork/Dublin route, it will lead to further development in south Tipperary and will be a massive boost to the region’s roads network.”

The final all-clear was given by An Bord Pleanála following consideration of the various technical and environmental submissions.

There was an oral hearing into the project last September.

County manager Ned O’Connor said the multi-million euro development project will help continue the improvement of the county’s roads network following the opening of the Cashel bypass 14 months ago.

South Tipperary County Council chairman Derry Foley said the project will place the county in the top tier for foreign investment.

“Infrastructure of this kind is essential in attracting companies to locate in the county,” said Mr. Foley.

“It is also known that such high quality design roads as this will be help to reduce the number of road fatalities.”

The new 38-kilometre dual carriageway will commence on the existing N8 in Co Cork, and after one and a half kilometres will cross the Cork/Limerick boundary and continue through Limerick for three kilometres.

The 3.3-kilometre section between Clonmel and Cahir will mean the by-passing of Cahir and divert heavy traffic flows away from the bustling market town.

Funding for the project is being provided under the 2000-2006 National Development Plan with assistance also from the European Union.