Cowen raises lack of progress on proposed N52 Tullamore to Kilbeggan link road

Fianna Fáil TD for Laois-Offaly, Barry Cowen, has written to An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan, regarding the lack of progress surrounding the proposed N52 Tullamore to Kilbeggan link road.

"I understand that Offaly County Council have not received any allocation for the scheme for 2022, resulting in the suspension of the scheme although it has progressed to route selection stage and could be further progressed with modest funding allocations," Deputy Cowen commented.

"This is one of eight major road schemes which have been have suspended due to a shortage of funds which is entirely unacceptable and I have called on the Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, to detail why exactly there is such limited scope to advance this scheme.

"The delivery of this project must remain a priority in order to address existing operational and safety issues. It is well documented that the N52 Tullamore to Kilbeggan Road currently operates above capacity and that safety is compromised by a narrow hard shoulder," added the Offaly-based TD.

He has vowed to continue to engage with Minister Ryan and those in his Department of Transport to ensure that funding is secured in order to build on the progress of the scheme to date.'