Transport « Thurles Information

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.

Major Funding Secured For New 5 km Thurles Loop Walk.

€447,300 awarded to extend walking route via Mill Road, in Thurles.

It is with great pleasure that the community of Thurles welcomes a landmark advancement in local amenities: a generous fund of €447,300 has now been secured by Thurles Lions Club to realise the long-awaited 5 km looped walk extension, starting from the heart of Thurles town-centre before meandering along the N62 national route to the “Lady’s Well” path stile entrance, positioned some 100 metres north of Thurles Golf Club. By following Lady’s Well main path, the rambler will then join the route at Mill Road (formerly Manor Mill Road, latter the ‘rat run’ or current inner relief road, for vehicles avoiding Thurles town) and the road locally known, affectionately, as “Fat Arse Boulevard”.

This funding is part of a number of Tipperary projects that have been allocated more than €900,000 between them to improve outdoor recreation facilities, is a minor part of a national fund of €16.5 million for 63 projects.

**Footpath plans advance for Mill Road in Thurles.**

Following the first publication of the planning application by Tipperary County Council, on 24th July 2024, same seeking the installation of a footpath on the Mill Road corridor, the project has now progressed significantly. Land access has been graciously granted by local residents along Mill Road, with, we understand Tipperary Council bearing the cost of acquisition. This co-operation paves the way for the looped walk to become a safe, well-designed pedestrian route for the community.

When complete, the new path will link the town centre securely with the outskirts of the town, via an attractive, town-to-country route, promoting greater recreational walking, better access for all ages, and contributing to the well-being and amenity of the Thurles area.
Observers have welcomed the scheme as a vital safety upgrade, especially along Mill Road, where pedestrian access had long been compromised by traffic speeds and inadequate parking provision.

When the local TDs catch wind of this scheme, their press releases will no doubt exclaim with great gusto how utterly thrilled they are to have “secured” this funding, for a project they only discovered existed yesterday via their inbox.

This awarding of funding marks a significant milestone, after one year and three months since the application’s initial publication, and confirms a concrete step towards long-envisioned connectivity for the region. Next steps will include detailed design, boundary works, signage, landscaping (including new native hedging) and final construction of the concrete 1.8-metre wide footpath along the route from the existing built-up path towards the bridge at Lady’s Well.

Residents, walkers, cyclists and families in Thurles now have cause to look forward with genuine excitement, the promise of “Fat Arse Boulevard” becoming a cherished walking loop is now indeed on its way to realisation.

Residents can find, view and download the initial plans and reports HERE. (Scroll to the bottom of the link provided).

Work To Begin On €30 Million Latteragh Bends Project In North Tipperary.

Work on a major multi-million euro roads project, in north Tipperary, is set to get underway in the coming weeks, following the appointment of a contractor to carry out the works.

Tipperary County Council has confirmed that Wills Bros Ltd has been appointed as the main contractor for the Latteragh Bends Road Realignment Project, which will see a dangerous stretch of road between Thurles and Nenagh finally upgraded.

The €30 million scheme will involve the realignment and improvement of a 4.3km section of the R498 regional road, between Nenagh and Thurles, at Latteragh, situated around 7km south-east of the M7 Nenagh Bypass.

According to the council, the contractor is now mobilising and setting up the site compound. Hedge cutting is due to begin next week, with traffic management measures to follow as full construction ramps up.

More than 30 local landowners were involved in compulsory purchase agreements to allow the scheme to proceed.

Funding for the project has been provided by the Department of Transport, which has allocated €20 million towards the works. A further €4 million has been set aside to cover design fees, consultancy, and landowner compensation.

The project aims to improve safety and traffic flow on one of the county’s key regional routes, long identified as a collision-prone stretch.

Concern Grows Over Flooding Vulnerability In Thurles Town Streets.

**A flooded Stradavoher, Thurles.**
*Pic: G. Willoughby.*

Thurles has in recent years has become increasingly vulnerable to flooding, following heavy rainfall, with drainage systems across the town found frequently struggling to cope with pluvial (rain-related) flood events.

A Tipperary County Council document on flood risk management notes that several parts of the county are exposed to flooding from multiple sources, including groundwater and intense rainfall, highlighting Thurles as an area of particular concern. The Office of Public Works (OPW) has also designated Thurles Town as an “Area for Further Assessment” under its national flood risk programme.

**Emmet Street Thurles**.
*Pic: G. Willoughby.*

This evening, several areas of Thurles; including Friar Street, Railway Road, Stradavoher, Junction at Sarsfield Street, an area at Slievenamon road Traffic lights, Emmet Street, and the Mitchel Street/Borroway junction, all experienced severe flooding, following a heavy downpour at around 6:00pm this evening. Local reports indicate that inadequate drain cleaning and blockages contributed significantly to the surface water build-up.

**Blocked Thurles drains due to litter and fallen leaves.**
*Pic: G. Willoughby.*

While there is broad agreement that extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent, the issue in Thurles is often compounded by insufficient maintenance of the town’s drainage network, particularly during autumn when falling leaves and litter exacerbate blockages.

Legacy development on flood-prone lands, including housing estates, car parks, and other construction in low-lying areas, has further increased vulnerability.

**Junction at Sarsfield Street, Thurles***Pic: G. Willoughby.*

Such conditions are calling for an enhanced early warning systems, such as MapAlerter, to deliver real-time alerts on severe weather and localised hazards. We also stress the need for ongoing drainage upgrades and regular maintenance, ensuring that gullies, storm drains, and car park outlets are capable of managing heavy rainfall surges.

The economic and social consequences of this flooding in smaller towns like Thurles can be severe, damaging homes and businesses, disrupting commerce, reducing property values, and potentially affecting insurance availability.

Unlike larger urban centres, smaller towns often lack extensive flood defence infrastructure, making local planning, awareness, and preventative maintenance essential.

Community cooperation remains key. Local councils, residents, and business owners are urged to work together to strengthen resilience and ensure Thurles is better prepared for the challenges of increasingly unpredictable weather.

However, Thurles has endured recurring flooding during the autumn and winter months for years, and the local authority has consistently failed to address or resolve the problem.

Hiking, History, Fine Food: Lonely Planet Hails Tipperary As A Must-Visit in 2026.

Tourism Ireland Launches Campaign to Showcase County’s Global Recognition.

County Tipperary has been named one of the world’s top places to visit in 2026 by Lonely Planet, the renowned travel guide publisher. The county features in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026, an annual list highlighting 25 destinations and experiences across the globe that travellers “should not miss” in the year ahead.

Described as “best for hiking, history and fine food,” Lonely Planet praises Tipperary as a place where “the food is remarkable, the landscapes are generous, and the castles are so casually scattered across the county that you’ll probably stumble across one on your way to dinner.” The guide adds that while Tipperary captures the postcard-perfect image of Ireland, it also “holds a few surprises” for those who explore further.

Welcoming the accolade, Elmagh Killeen, Head of Brand and Marketing Communications at Tourism Ireland, said: “We’re thrilled that Tipperary has been recognised among the world’s top destinations for 2026. This is a tribute to the county’s stunning walking trails, rich heritage, and exceptional food scene. It’s a real opportunity to set Ireland apart and to encourage more international visitors to discover Tipperary for themselves. I want to congratulate all the tourism and hospitality providers in the county whose hard work has made this achievement possible.”

Tom Hall, Vice President of Lonely Planet, echoed those sentiments, noting: “Tipperary’s inclusion in Best in Travel 2026 highlights its wonderful blend of hiking, history and fine food. From iconic landmarks like the Rock of Cashel to its namesake blue cheese, the county offers an authentic and quietly beautiful slice of Ireland. Its walking trails, village pubs and scenic drives make exploring Tipperary a true pleasure.”

Tourism Ireland plans to capitalise on this international recognition through an extensive global marketing push. The campaign will include:

Global media outreach: a major PR drive targeting leading travel and lifestyle journalists;
Social media promotion: sharing the news with millions of followers across key markets including the United States, Great Britain, Spain and Italy;
Market focus: special emphasis in Spain and Italy, both of which are ‘twinned’ with Tipperary as part of Tourism Ireland’s regional growth initiative;
Digital spotlight: a dedicated feature on Tourism Ireland’s global website, Ireland.com