N52 Tullamore Bypass Opens – 23 October 2009 

 The new N52 Tullamore Bypass will offer a dramatic improvement for the residents and businesses currently dealing with extreme traffic congestion by removing 10,000 vehicles per day from the centre of Tullamore.   

The N52 Tullamore By-Pass was funded by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 and part financed by the European Union Regional Development Fund under the Border, Midland and Western Regional Operational Programme 2007 – 2013.   

The scheme involved the design and construction of approximately 11.5km of standard single carriageway and 2.5km of wide single carriageway for a total of 14km. The route commences at the existing N52 in the townland of Heath and heads in a north-easterly direction crossing the Clodiagh River, then continuing north to cross the Tullamore River before proceeding in a northerly direction through the Ardan Hills and terminates in Gormagh, County Offaly.  

The project was officially opened by An Taoiseach, Mr. Brian Cowen TD, who, in welcoming the opening said:   

“This is another important step in the continuing improvement of our national road network. The reduction in traffic volumes, noise levels and air pollution will greatly improve the quality of life in Tullamore. The By-pass will also result in greater certainty of journey times as well as reduced transport costs and greater efficiency in the transportation of goods. I have no doubt that it will have a very positive impact on this entire region.”  

Mr. Peter Malone, Chairman of the National Roads Authority (NRA) said:   

“The opening of the N52 Tullamore Bypass sees another of the country’s major bottlenecks consigned to the history books allowing for a climate of economic competitiveness to develop in this historic Midlands town. This infrastructure is needed to maximise the Midlands Regional commercial and tourism potential in line with Government policy by linking the Gateway towns of Athlone, Tullamore and Mullingar. In a national context, the Tullamore Bypass will improve access to the new M6 Galway to Dublin motorway which is scheduled for total completion early next year with the opening of the Galway to Ballinasloe (56km) section. As a result, it will provide for regional economic growth and open the entire area for all visitors to experience life in the centre of Ireland. Again, I would like to thank all those who worked so diligently on completing the project well ahead of schedule.”

 Further information is available at http://www.nra.ie/