€26m EU Regional Funding of Tullamore Bypass Welcomed -23 October 2009

The Director of the BMW Regional Assembly, Mr. Gerry Finn has welcomed the opening of the Tullmore N52 bypass by the Taoiseach Brian Cowen T.D. on October 23rd. A total of €26m of European Regional Development Funds (ERDF) has been provided during the construction stage of this project, made possible through the prioritisation of this key strategic linking route by the BMW Regional Operational Programme 2007-2013. The Director stated, “the completion of this 14km of single carriageway bypass at a total cost of €116m and 10 months ahead of schedule represents the welcomed addition of another key infrastructural asset and the continued develop of the Midland Gateway triangle”.

It is expected that this bypass will remove more than 10,000 vehicles a day from Tullamore town centre making it a more attractive place for to live, visit and to do business. Mr. Finn added, “the provision of quality infrastructure is critical to the development of the BMW Region and this will continue to be a key focus for the BMW Regional Assembly during these challenging economic conditions. The future roll-out of the National Broadband Scheme and the completion of the M6 Ballinasloe to Galway route which are co-funded by the EU through the BMW Regional Operational Programme are examples of this commitment to developing road and telecommunications access to and within the Region”.

Mr. Finn concluded, “I would like to congratulate all those involved in the planning, development and construction stages of this bypass, I look forward to supporting the continued development of the Midland Gateway”.

The BMW Regional Assembly announced the provision of €3.85m under the €17m ERDF financed Gateway and Hubs Funds on the 8th of October last. This investment in the strategic Midland Gateway includes the allocation of €1.45m towards the Athlone Art Gallery and €1.2m each to both the Mullingar Cycle Network and the Canal Corridor in Tullamore.

Download a PDF Version of the N52 Tullamore Bypass Scheme Brochure