Major boost for plan to build new link road between Tullamore and Kilbeggan

The long-running campaign for a link road on the N52 between Tullamore and Kilbeggan received a major boost this afternoon with confirmation the the project has been formally included in the Government's National Development Plan (NDP).

The news, which was announced as part of a €24.3 billion sectoral investment plan for transport, has been hailed as “progress at last” by Offaly Fianna Fail TD, Tony McCormack, who said that having the key infrastructural project for the county being recognised as advanced for future construction is “a major milestone.”

Describing the new link road as being “at the heart of the Durrow community for years” Deputy McCormack said that, since his election to the Dail, he has worked closely with Transport Minister, Darragh O'Brien, to progress the project.

“I know how much this means to the Durrow community, not just in terms of improved safety on their own doorstep but also in terms of how it strengthens connectivity across the entire county. This project will support enterprise, investment and future opportunities in tourism” said the local TD.

Acknowledging that the progression of the N52 Link Road will “take time” Deputy McCormack said the fact that it is now included in the National Development Plan will enable a number of key actions to be taken to advance the project.

See further details in this week's print edition of the Offaly Independent.