Offaly commuter 'frustrations' over unclear roadworks schedule

Offaly commuters have voiced growing frustration over the number of road closures and delays caused by ongoing roadworks, with many residents saying it has become “nearly impossible” to get where they need to go.

Local councillor Cllr Claire Murray Smale has acknowledged the concerns, saying she is listening to and aware of the “frustrations of commuters and road users” as several key routes remain under construction or subject to traffic management.

“It seems as though every road in our area is closed and making it so difficult to get to where you need to go,” Cllr Murray Smale said.

Among the projects drawing particular attention is the Daingean–Ballinagar road, which had been scheduled for completion last week. However, due to persistent rain and limited contractor availability, works were pushed back by a week. Continued heavy rainfall this week has further delayed progress.

“The contractors needed three to four dry hours on Tuesday to seal the road,” she said. “Unfortunately, the weather just hasn’t cooperated.”

Cllr Murray Smale noted that contractor availability and weather are two recurring challenges for engineers and project planners, often forcing last-minute changes to schedules.

Meanwhile, works on the R400 are continuing as part of phase two of the peat pilot scheme. “There is a progress report happening this week, and we should have more information on this soon,” she added.

Despite the difficulties, Cllr Murray Smale said lessons need to be learned when it comes to communication and planning.

“Notwithstanding all of this, I feel we have work to do on communicating these roadworks better so people can plan around them,” she said.

“We are all aware that these works need to happen, but not all at the same time, and I’ll be communicating this at our next meeting.”