I wish to thank the Deputy for his question. I know that the matter of road safety is important to him, as it is to everyone in this House.
A major priority in the National Development Plan is to maintain the quality and safety of the existing National Road Network. The NDP foresees an exchequer allocation of circa €2.9 billion for the Protection and Renewal of existing national roads over the 10-year period to 2030. This funds measures on the existing National Road Network that include safety upgrades, minor improvement projects such as road re-alignment, pavement renewals and the safeguarding of bridges and culverts. This is in addition to the approximately €5.1 billion which has been allocated for the construction of new national roads over the same period.
I can advise that TII periodically carries out a collision analysis of the entire National Road Network, as required by guidelines, as well carrying out pro-active safety inspections. The purpose of this combined process is to identify locations that have high concentrations of collisions or potential collisions . TII have allocated a total of approximately €100 million in 2024 to safety programmes, which indicates how importantly this matter is treated.
In relation to Turtulla Cross on the N62 south of Thurles, I understand that a roundabout has been proposed for this location. A Feasibility and Options Report has been prepared by Tipperary County Council. This year, TII has provided a grant allocation of €50,000 to the Council to facilitate the appointment a Technical Advisor to examine and progress the design of the proposed upgrade.
Safety interventions such as this are an essential part of TII’s Protection and Renewal program for National Roads.
I hope that this information is of assistance to you.
