Councillors in Thurles have voted to approve a major project funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland(TII) that will change the layout of the roadway in Liberty Square, remove 14 parking spaces in the West End of Liberty Square and also includes changes to the junctions at Parnell Street and Cuchulainn road and at the junction of Cuchulainn road and O’Donovan Rossa Street. All of O’Donovan Rossa street will become one way and 4 pedestrian crossings will be installed in the west end of Liberty Square.
It is understood that Cllr Jim Ryan proposed retaining the parking in Liberty Square however council officials say TII will not accept this change to the design. TII are funding the project as the N62 and N75 intersect in Liberty Square and Parnell Street and O’Donovan Rossa streets form part of both national routes. Traders in the town centre had opposed the removal of parking spaces.
The project was proposed yesterday by Cllr Peggy Ryan and seconded by Cllr Sean Ryan. It is likely to be 2028 before the project is commenced. Extra parking spaces are to be provided before then in existing car parks and a possible new car park on Friar Street. Cllr Jim Ryan says the All Day Parking facility will be removed from the Parnell Street and the Slievenamon Road car parks early next year.
