Long Awaited Thurles Bypass Expected To Feature In New National Development Plan.

Project first proposed in 2009 seen as key to easing Thurles congestion and boosting local economy.

The long-awaited Thurles bypass is expected to feature in the forthcoming revision of the National Development Plan (NDP), which is due to be formally announced on Tuesday, November 25th.

First proposed in 2009, the project was shelved following the economic crash, but has remained a long-term priority for the business community. The long awaited bypass is viewed as being critical to easing chronic traffic congestion in the town and hopefully unlocking the towns wider economic potential.

**Damage caused on a regular basis by heavy goods vehicles.**
*Pic: G. Willoughby*.

Traffic volumes in Thurles, particularly heavy goods vehicles passing through Liberty Square, have long been a source of frustration for residents and businesses, as two national secondary routes currently converge in the town centre.

According to Tipperary County Council’s management report (May 2025), a preferred route corridor for the bypass was identified in 2011 and remains safeguarded. The council has reiterated its call for inclusion of the project in this latest NDP cycle, warning that any further delay could push delivery beyond 2040.

Detailed design work on associated relief roads has also been completed, with supporting documentation now under review as part of the statutory approval process.

This news indicating that the bypass will proceed, will be greatly welcomed by both business and community leaders in Thurles same seen as essential to ensuring Thurles can thrive as a safe and accessible regional hub.

If fully confirmed in the updated NDP, the Thurles bypass would represent one of the most significant infrastructure commitments for mid-Tipperary in recent decades.
Construction is expected to follow later in the plan’s timeline, subject to final funding and planning approvals.

The revised National Development Plan will be formally announced on Tuesday, November 25th, and it will then fall to our local representatives to help drive forward a project they have in the past been slow to champion.