The Portlaoise orbital route a major could be finished by the end of this year, following the announcement of €3.5 million in funding.
The funding was confirmed at the monthly meeting of Laois County Council by CEO John Mulholland.
He said tender documents are with the Department of Transport, with approval expected soon.
Funding
He expected the funding to be allocated to the council in the next week.
A contractor could be appointed by April or May.
“Works could be completed by the end of the year with some finalisation in 2019,” Mr Mulholland said.
“This is fantastic news. This is one of the most important pieces of infrastructure for the town,” Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald said.
“It will help with the traffic at the new schools and is close to the Triogue walkway,” she said.
“The news on the orbital route is most welcome,” Cllr Noel Touhey said. “It will go hand and glove with the new schools there”.
Earlier today, Minister Charlie Flanagan outlined the funding.
“I am happy to announce that funding in the sum of €3.5 million has been allocated to Laois County Council under the 2018 Strategic Regional & Road Allocation,” he said.
“This is one of the biggest investments in Portlaoise town in recent times. The road will link the Abbeyleix to Timahoe Road and will provide direct access to the Summerhill School Campus hence bypassing Portlaoise town,” he said.
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