Ribbon cut on big upgrade of main Laois Kilkenny road at busy Tírlán creamery
N77 road links Portlaoise to Kilkenny, passing through Durrow and Abbeyleix
The latest phase in the upgrade of the main Portlaoise to Kilkenny City route, which is used by many Laois drivers, looks set to improve road travel between the two counties.
Jerry Buttimer, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, was on hand on Thursday, April 16, to officially open the N77 Ballyragget to Ballynaslee Improvement Scheme.
In a statement to the Leinster Express / Laois Laive, Kilkenny County Council emphasised the importance of the route to Laois and Kilkenny.
It said the national secondary route links Kilkenny City to the M7 Motorway (Junction 17) and Portlaoise via the village of Ballyragget and the towns of Durrow and Abbeyleix.
It said capacity was restricted on this section of road due to its limited cross-section and sub-standard horizontal alignment.It added that these constraints contribute to the absence of overtaking opportunities and inconsistent traffic flow regimes on the route.
Apart from members of the public the upgrade should also benefit Laois Tirlán workers, dairy truck drivers and farmers as the works were carried out on lands at Tirlán’s Ballyragget factory between Ballyragget village and the townland of Ballynaslee.
Kilkenny County Council says the plant is a key employer in the region and one of Europe’s largest integrated dairy processing facilities.
"Following a construction period of just over 12 months, the project delivered a range of improvements to enhance road safety and traffic capacity on the N77. These include the removal of substandard horizontal geometry, the provision of safe overtaking opportunities, and the upgrade of the Tirlán factory entrance," said a statement.
The council added that the progression of the project from inception to the opening of the new realignment scheme was the result of a collaboration involving Kilkenny County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Tramore House RDO, the appointed consultants EGIS, and the contractor, Fox Building & Engineering Ltd. The council said the scheme would not have been possible without the consent and cooperation of the landowners affected by the project.
“This scheme is also part of the wider programme of national infrastructure delivery taking place across the country. Investment in roads, public transport and regional connectivity is essential to supporting balanced growth. Projects like this strengthen supply chains, improve safety and ensure that communities and businesses large and small can thrive,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Mary Hilda Cavanagh noted the community and safety benefit.
“This will be a huge step forward in terms of road safety on the N77.The completion of this project marks a significant milestone not only in terms of infrastructure development and road safety but also in enhancing the fabric of our community,” she said.
Extensive works have been carried out in recent years to improve the N77 serving the creamery which is just 7 kms from Durrow in Laois.