Overview
The N52 route links Ardee, Co Louth to Nenagh, Co Tipperary via a series of villages and significant towns including Kells, Mullingar, Tyrrellspass, Kilbeggan, Tullamore and Birr. The N52 Tullamore to Kilbeggan Link will connect Tullamore in Co. Offaly to the M6 at Kilbeggan in Co. Westmeath.
The N52 Tullamore to Kilbeggan Link scheme has been identified in the National Development Plan (2018-2027). The scheme was proposed under the NDP to be progressed through pre-appraisal and early planning during 2018 in order to prioritise projects which are proceeding to construction in the National Development Plan.
Offaly County Council, in conjunction with Westmeath County Council, have commissioned consultants RPS to provide the engineering and consultancy services required to deliver the proposed scheme through Phases 1 to 4 of the TII Project Management Guidelines, including:
- Phase 1 Concept & Feasibility
- Phase 2 Options Selection
- Phase 3 Design & Environmental Evaluation
- Phase 4 Statutory Processes
Need for the Scheme
The N52 is an important element of Ireland’s secondary road network. It links the north-east and the south-west of Ireland, from Ardee in County Louth to Nenagh in County Tipperary and services the towns of Kells, Mullingar, Tyrellspass, Kilbeggan, Tullamore and Birr.
The N52 Tullamore to Kilbeggan Road currently operates above capacity, carrying over 14,000 vehicles per day. Safety is compromised by a narrow hard shoulder and many at grade junctions and private access points.
The new N52 Tullamore to Kilbeggan Link scheme will benefit all road users.
This scheme will:
- improve the quality of this strategically important road
- improve connectivity within the Midlands
- result in shorter and safer car, truck and bus journeys
- improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and those living
- along the route.
Policy Context
The N52 Tullamore to Kilbeggan Link scheme aligns with a variety of policies and plans for the region and the country, including:
- Project Ireland 2040 National Planning Framework (NPF)
- National Development Plan (2018-2027),
- Strategic Investment Framework for Land Transport (SIFLT),
- Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020
- Eastern & Midland Regional Spatial & Economic Strategy 2019-2031
- Westmeath County Development Plan (2014-2020), incl. draft 2021-2027
- Offaly County Development Plan (2014-2020), incl. draft 2021-2027
- Tullamore Town & Environs Local Area Plan (extended until 2020).