Minister officially opens new Birr road
A new road in Birr - Bóthar na Laochra - was officially opened on Monday by the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, in the presence of Cllr John Leahy, Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council and Cllr Hugh Egan, Cathaoirleach Birr Municipal District.
The new infrastructure forms part of the Birr Distributor Road network, providing an active travel and road link between the R439 Banagher Road, at Cappaneale, and the N52 Tullamore Road at Woodlands, close to the Lidl store.
The road officially opened to traffic in early April
Offaly County Council described Bóthar na Laochra as a "significant" piece of infrastructure that would "enhance connectivity, improve road safety, and support the continued growth and development of the town".
The local authority also said it would "reduce congestion in Birr’s historic town centre while improving accessibility for residents, businesses and visitors".
The council said that, in addition to easing traffic flow, the project would also deliver direct benefits to nearby schools, including Gaelscoil na Laochra and St Brendan’s Community School, with safer routes for pedestrians and cyclists, and open up lands.
Speaking at the official opening, the Cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council, Cllr John Leahy, said: "This project is about much more than improving traffic flow. It is about creating a safer, more welcoming environment here in Birr town."
The chief executive of Offaly County Council, Eoghan Ryan, also highlighted the importance of the Bóthar na Laochra project, saying, it represented "a strategic investment in the transport network of Birr and County Offaly, and a meaningful contribution to the county's sustainable economic development".
Minister O’Brien, who officially opened the road, said: "Government is committed to supporting sustainable development, regional connectivity, and community growth.
"My Department’s allocation of approximately €3 million towards the completion of this road will ensure an improved environment for the residents and visitors of Birr, improved connectivity for local businesses to our wider road network, and improved access to both St Brendan’s Community School and the recently constructed Gaelscoíl na Laochra."
Offaly County Council said it reflected years of careful planning and collaboration involving central Government, the Department of Transport, contractors, and the local community.
The cooperation of local schools, residents and landowners was instrumental in its successful delivery, the local authority added.
Managed by Offaly County Council’s Roads and Transport Department in partnership with Tobin Consulting Engineers, under Director of Services Tom Shanahan, the project was primarily funded through Strategic Regional and Local Road Grants provided by the Department of Transport.