Cllrs from the Clonmel District have voiced opposition to the proposals for the N 24 Waterford to Cahir road project in so far as it impacts Clonmel.
The proposals from ARUP consultants were released last month and no bypass of Clonmel is proposed. Cllr Siobhan Ambrose and Cllr Pat English both voiced objection to the proposal and the impact it could have on the future development of Clonmel town. The issue was raised at yesterday’s plenary meeting of Tipperary Council.
Cllr Ambrose says all development has to be on the north of the town given the river Suir forms a natural southern border. Leaving the Clonmel Inner Relief Road as is amounts to a huge disappointment according to Cllr Ambrose.
The councillors are seeking a review of the proposed option for Clonmel town and the data on which the decision was based. Cllr English says the proposed Clonmel portion of the N24 road upgrade is a disaster. Tipperary Council CEO Joe MacGrath agreed to request a meeting with Transport Minister Eamon Ryan about the matter.
The N24 Waterford to Cahir project proposes the construction of new by-passes for Carrick on Suir, Kilsheelan and Mooncoin but only the construction of some new link roads and overpasses in Clonmel. The consultants, ARUP, say their data shows that 87% of the traffic wants to visit Clonmel rather than bypass the town.
