N81 upgrade in west Wicklow at risk of facing further delays
'The N81 is the only national road out of Dublin that has never been upgraded,' Timmins said. 'This needs to be put into the national development plan, NDP. I ask that it be considered for inclusion in the new NDP.'
In response, Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers said several safety measures have already been introduced or are in the process of being delivered.
These include €400,000 in funding for a realignment project near Stratford-on-Slaney; appointment of technical advisers to progress the scheme through planning; traffic-calming works near Hollywood village; and smaller interventions at Blessington and Baltinglass.
Deputy Chambers confirmed that further decisions regarding the N81's inclusion in the new NDP would be made by Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien.
Minister O'Brien previously told Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady that the N81 Tallaght to Hollywood upgrade was not included among the projects identified in the updated NPD that was published in 2021.
'As such, until a full review takes place, the advancement of the proposed scheme cannot be accommodated in the National Roads Programme.'
The scheme was not included in projects identified in 2019 for development during the 2018-2027 period of the NDP, meaning it will face delays until at least 2027.
Meanwhile Baltinglass Municipal District Councillors have called on their fellow local representatives to lobby for the upgrading of the road along the preferred route.
Speaking during the July monthly meeting of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Avril Cronin said the council need to fight the corner of the people in west Wicklow and ensure that the N81 gets back on the agenda.
'Sometimes it feels like we are fighting a losing battle here and I would hope that we have the support of management and that a submission has also been made in relation to that review.'
'I along with Councillor Patsy Glennon are members of the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly and we put forward a submission to try and get the N81 back on the table. It's something that the six councillors in the Baltinglass Municipal District raised time and time again.'
Cllr Glennon echoed those sentiments calling on the council executive team to get behind it and get something moving on it.
'We get tired of listening about congestion on the N11. I know it is a big fact for lots of our colleagues here, but we don't seem to get fair traction for our problems out our side.'
In response, Wicklow County Council chief executive Emer O'Gorman said they will push for the upgrade to be included as part of the plan
'We have consulted with the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly. We are very happy to support the submission and delighted to have it included and we will push for that inclusion as well ourselves. It is important. The N81 is a national primary route on paper and on paper alone so changes need to happen to it.'
'I think it is hugely important that the N81 is upgraded and brought to a standard that is reasonable, you know the same standard as the other national routes in the county.' she added.
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