Delays push back route selection choice for N24 scheme that runs through Kilkenny

Frustration is mounting in South Kilkenny following the announcement that a preferred route for the N24 Waterford to Cahir scheme is unlikely to be announced until later this year.

The preferred route was scheduled to be put on public display at the end of Q2 of 2023, however this is now scheduled to take place in Q4 of 2023.

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Councillors in the Piltown Municipal District were given the news at their latest council meeting.

Cllr Pat Dunphy stated that he is ‘constantly getting questions’ in relation to the scheme and the progress on the route selection process.

He previously told Kilkenny Live that there has been a lot of interest from the public in South Kilkenny, as was evident during the public consultation process on the scheme.

The current N24 corridor was recently identified as one of the most lethal stretches of road in the entire country.

The new N24 scheme is intended to address the transportation issues on the existing corridor by improving safety, journey reliability and the strategic function.

Although investigation works commenced on route selection in November 2022, the works were suspended in December due to saturated ground conditions as a result of consistently poor weather.

At present, a systematic assessment of potential routes is currently being undertaken through a three-stage process.

All potential solutions that were presented to the public are being assessed on their potential impacts and their potential success in achieving project objectives.

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The Project Liaison Officer (PLO) is continuing to work with landowners to agree access to facilitate the completion of the preliminary ground investigation works.

Kilkenny County Council have expressed their appreciation for the co-operation being shown by local landowners in allowing access to their lands for these works.

The N24 is recognised as being of importance in enhancing regional connectivity and increasing accessibility to key towns it passes through, including Tipperary Town, Cahir, Clonmel, Carrick-on-Suir, Mooncoin and other rural hinterlands.