Taoiseach urged to intervene on N52 impasse

Independent TD for Laois Offaly Carol Nolan has called on Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to ensure that immediate Government intervention occurs to address concerns highlighted by the Durrow Community Development Committee regarding the N52 stretch of road between the Kilbeggan and the Tullamore bypass.

Deputy Nolan raised the matter in the Dáil on Tuesday, following her attendance at a packed local public meeting on the issue on Monday night, which highlighted the need to restore funding the planned new Tullamore to Kilbeggan link road project.

“The Taoiseach has stated today that it is not possible to fund every roads project, but this simply does not address the life-threatening risks that have been generated by the decision to withdraw funding from this particular project. My fear is that this will almost inevitably result in tragedy. It is only a matter of time,” said Deputy Nolan.

“We need to see the funding reinstated immediately and we need Minister Ryan to actually visit the constituency and meet with the Durrow Committee to hear what they and the public have to say.”

“That is why I have written to Minister Ryan requesting him to indicate his availability for this meeting as soon as possible.” “The Taoiseach also informed me that the project would be examined as part of the roads programme in 2024. While I welcome that as better than nothing, it is simply not good enough. We need immediate commitments around funding reinstatement before lives are lost,” concluded Deputy Nolan.