Transport Minister hasn't heard anything from Simon Harris on Laois town's bypass

A General Election promise by Fine Gael leader to prioritise a Mountmellick bypass has yet to materialise in to a change in position at the Department of Transport.

Then Taoiseach Simon Harris promised to prioritise the N80 bypass of Mountmellick if reelected when he was on the canvas for votes in the town just days ahead of the 2024 General Election. 

"I do think road projects need to progress. If we are back in Government these sorts of projects will be a priority," he told local people in the Mountmellick Development Association offices.

Following the election of the new Government in the Dáil, Dep Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien to make sure that funding is finally provided for the construction of the long-awaited relief road and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister O'Brien Minister for Transport outlined the situation. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

"I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to the National Roads Programme. Under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 and in line with the National Development Plan (NDP), the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. This is also subject to the Infrastructure Guidelines and the necessary statutory approvals," he said.

The Minister directed the Laois independent TD elsewhere for details.

"Noting the above position, I have referred your question to TII for a direct reply updating you as to any plans or works in the Mountmellick area. If you do not receive a reply within 10 working days, please contact my private office," he said.

A double bypass of Mountmellick is recommended in a report commissioned by Laois County Council, on the Portlaoise to Tullamore side and also on the Emo road side of the town.

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Laois County Council say an inner relief road for Mountmellick has been under consideration since 1991. A plan for it in 2001 did not reach the planning stage after Irishtown residents and landowners campaigned against the preferred route.