Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 December 2021
77. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Transport his views on the necessity to ensure that the development of the proposed strategic rail freight terminal at Limerick Junction, as referred to in Rail Freight 2040, takes into account the impact this may have in terms of traffic usage on the N24; and his views on whether due consideration of this should also be taken into account in the development of the N24 or a bypass of Tipperary town. [62311/21]
View answerI agree that issues such as those raised by the Deputy should be taken into account when considering the development of any future rail freight terminal at Limerick Junction.
In relation to the N24 specifically the National Development Plan includes the proposed N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction Project, which includes a bypass of Tipperary Town.
This scheme is among several proposed major national road projects identified in the new NDP for prioritisation through pre-appraisal and early planning. A bypass of Tipperary town will be considered by TII for prioritisation in this context, particularly having regard for the benefits that a bypass could provide to the town and the facilitation of one of the key national strategic outcomes in the National Planning Framework, Compact Growth. Lower traffic volumes in the town may also improve road safety. This project may also provide the opportunity to provide better connectivity with public transport through direct access to the train stations in Cahir and Limerick Junction, which would encourage the use of public transport in the area.
The N24 Project Team in Transport Infrastructure Ireland are currently determining the Preferred Route Option for the project. It is envisaged that a public display of the Preferred Route Option will take place by the end of Quarter 1 2022.
