This will be used for project news as the project progresses. Phase 1 (Concept and Feasibility) of the project was completed in February 2021. Phase 2 (Options Selection) which is scheduled to take 24 months is ongoing.
News Bulletin #10 – Project Programme Update
Project Progress
The project is currently at Phase 2, Options Selection. A systematic assessment of the potential solutions identified is currently being undertaken through a three-stage process in line with the TII Project Appraisal Guidelines with a view to selecting a Preferred Transport Solution for the project.
The Stage 1 preliminary assessment of the Alternatives and Options is complete. The project team is currently undertaking the Stage 2 assessment using a multi-criteria analysis in line with the Department of Transport, Common Appraisal Framework.
Ground Investigation Works
The Project Liaison Officer (PLO) is continuing to work with landowners to agree access to facilitate the completion of the preliminary ground investigation works. Kilkenny County Council and Tipperary County Council appreciate the co-operation being shown by landowners in allowing access to their lands for these works.
Although investigation works commenced in November 2022, the works were suspended in December due to saturated ground conditions as a result of consistently poor weather. The works will recommence end of February 2023 and will be completed in April 2023. The findings of these investigations will inform elements of the Stage 2 assessment detailed earlier.
What Happens Next
The next step in the Options Selection Process is to complete the multi-criteria analysis for the Stage 2 assessment. Stage 3 of the assessment process will then determine the best performing Alternative or Option or combination of Alternative(s) and/or Options to be taken forward as the Preferred Transport Solution.
Date for Public Display of Preferred Transport Solution
The Preferred Transport Solution was scheduled to be put on public display at the end of Q2 2023, however this is now scheduled to take place in Q4 of 2023.
The project team and PLO continue to be available to answer any questions from the public and can be contacted via the Contact Us page of the project website.
News Bulletin #9 – Project Update
Project Progress Update
The project is currently at Phase 2, Options Selection. The purpose of this phase is to examine feasible Alternatives and Options that have the potential to address the transport problems identified during Phase 1, Concept and Feasibility. A systematic assessment of these potential solutions is being undertaken in line with the TII Project Appraisal Guidelines with a view to selecting a preferred transport solution for the project.
Phase 2, Options Selection is a three-stage process. In Stage 1, the design team identified feasible Alternatives (i.e. active travel measures, improved public transport and demand management measures) and Option Corridors (i.e. road based options). These feasible Alternatives and Option Corridors were displayed as part of Public Consultation No. 2 which took place between 03 May 2022 and 20 May 2022 seeking engagement with and feedback from landowners and members of the public.
Since Public Consultation No. 2, the project team has completed the Stage 1 preliminary assessment of the Alternatives and Options. This assessment included an examination of the submissions received and information gathered during the consultation, to inform the preliminary assessment and refinements to the potential solutions to be taken forward to Stage 2 for a more detailed assessment.
The project team is currently undertaking the Stage 2 assessment using a multi-criteria analysis in line with the Department of Transport, Common Appraisal Framework under the headings of Safety, Economy, Environment, Accessibility and Social Inclusion, Integration and Physical Activity.
Based upon feedback received during Public Consultation No. 2, additional biodiversity surveys are being undertaken, where deemed appropriate, to update the project constraints and better inform the assessment process.
Project Liaison and Ground Investigation Works
The Project Liaison Officer (PLO) has been appointed to liaise with property owners, the public and other stakeholders. The PLO can be contacted via the Contact Us page on the project website. The PLO is currently seeking access consent as required for the Phase 2 Ground Investigation Works. These works commenced in Q4 2022 and will continue into Q1 2023 and will feed into the Stage 2 assessments.
What Happens Next
The next step in the Options Selection Process is to complete the multicriteria analysis for the Stage 2 assessment. Stage 3 of the assessment process will then determine the best performing Alternative or Option or combination of Alternative(s) and/or Options to be taken forward as the Preferred Transport Solution.
It is envisaged that a public display of the Preferred Transport Solution will take place mid-2023.
The project team and PLO continue to be available to answer any questions from the public and can be contacted via the Contact Us page of the project website.
News Bulletin #8 – Public Consultation No. 2 – Alternatives and Options
The non-statutory Public Consultation on Alternatives and Options ended on 20 May 2022. All of the material that was on display at the public consultation is available here. The purpose of this consultation was to present the potential solutions developed for the project to the public and to seek feedback to inform the further development and assessment of these potential solutions. Public consultation forms an important part of advancing the development of an appropriate transport solution for the project.
The project team will review the valued feedback received during the consultation which will inform the process of identifying the preferred transport solution to resolve the transport issues that have been identified. Appropriate solutions may include Alternatives such as bus, rail, and active travel modes, and different road based Options. The preferred transport solution for the project is currently scheduled to be put on Public Display in Q2 2023.
News Bulletin #7 – Public Consultation No. 2 – Alternatives and Options
A non-statutory public consultation has commenced and shall continue to 20 May 2022. Information can be viewed by attending one of our four in-person public consultation events as detailed below and is also available on the online consultation room on the project website.
The purpose of this non-statutory public consultation is to inform the public of the broad range of potential transport solutions developed that have the potential to solve the issues identified to date and deliver on the project objectives. Potential solutions include alternative transport solutions such as bus, rail and active travel modes, and different road based options. These solutions will be subject to a comparative assessment of their potential impacts, and their relative success in achieving the project objectives to determine the preferred solution for the project.
Public consultation forms an important part of advancing the development of an appropriate solution for the project. As part of this process, the project team are seeking feedback from the public on the potential transport solutions that have been developed.
The Alternatives and Options will be on display at in-person consultation events at four venues across the study area on the below dates:
- Mooncoin Community Hall, Mooncoin, 3 May 2022, 2pm to 8pm
- Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, 4 May 2022, 2pm to 8pm
- Cahir House Hotel, Cahir, 5 May 2022, 2pm to 8pm
- Carraig Hotel, Carrick-on-Suir, 6 May 2022, 2pm to 8pm
In addition, the information will be available through an online consultation room on this dedicated website through the consultation period from 3 May 2022 to 20 May 2022.
Hardcopies of brochures and feedback forms will be available at the four events, on the project website or can be requested by phone. In addition to meeting the project team at the in-person events, a telephone/online meeting will be bookable via the online booking facility on the project website or by calling Kilkenny County Council on 056-779 4380.
Hard copy maps of the potential transport solutions will also be available to view at Carrick-on-Suir Municipal Council Building (Carrick-on-Suir) and Ferrybank library (Ferrybank, via Waterford, X91 D211) from 9 May to 20 May 2022.
Submissions can be made using the online feedback form available on the project website, or by email to N24Waterford2Cahir@kilkennycoco.ie, or by post addressed to N24 Waterford to Cahir Project, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, R95 A39T.
Submissions can be made up until close of business Friday 20 May 2022.
Kilkenny County Council in partnership with Tipperary County Council values the opinion of the community on this project and welcomes feedback from the public and interested parties.
News Bulletin #6 – Public Consultation No. 2 – Alternatives and Options
A non-statutory public consultation will be available on this project website from the 3 May 2022 to 20 May 2022. Information will be available at four in-person public consultation events as well as in an online consultation room on the project website. The purpose of this non-statutory public consultation is to inform the public of the broad range of potential transport solutions developed that have the potential to solve the issues identified to date and deliver on the project objectives. Potential solutions include alternative transport solutions such as bus, rail and active travel modes, and different road based options. These solutions will be subject to a comparative assessment of their potential impacts, and their relative success in achieving the project objectives to determine the preferred solution for the project.
Public consultation forms an important part of advancing the development of an appropriate solution for the project. As part of this process, the project team are seeking feedback from the public on the potential transport solutions that have been developed.
The Alternatives and Options will be on display at in-person consultation events at four venues across the study area on the below dates:
- Mooncoin Community Hall, Mooncoin, 3 May 2022, 2pm to 8pm
- Raheen House Hotel, Clonmel, 4 May 2022, 2pm to 8pm
- Cahir House Hotel, Cahir, 5 May 2022, 2pm to 8pm
- Carraig Hotel, Carrick-on-Suir, 6 May 2022, 2pm to 8pm
In addition, the information will be available through an online consultation room on this dedicated website through the consultation period from 3 May 2022 to 20 May 2022.
Hardcopies of brochures and feedback forms will be available at the four events, on the project website or can be requested by phone. In addition to meeting the project team at the in-person events, a telephone/online meeting will be bookable via the online booking facility on the project website or by calling Kilkenny County Council on 056-779 4380.
Hard copy maps of the potential transport solutions will also be available to view at Carrick-on-Suir Municipal Council Building (Carrick-on-Suir) and Ferrybank library (Ferrybank, via Waterford, X91 D211) from 9 May to 20 May 2022.
Submissions can be made using the online feedback form available on the project website, or by email to N24Waterford2Cahir@kilkennycoco.ie, or by post addressed to N24 Waterford to Cahir Project, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, R95 A39T.
Submissions can be made up until close of business Friday 20 May 2022.
Kilkenny County Council in partnership with Tipperary County Council values the opinion of the community on this project and welcomes feedback from the public and interested parties.
News Bulletin #5 – Postponement of Public Consultation No. 2 – Alternatives and Options
The non-statutory public consultation on Alternatives and Options for the N24 Waterford to Cahir Project that was scheduled for January 2022 is postponed at present – further updates to follow.
News Bulletin #4 – Revised Timeline for Public Consultation No. 2 – Alternatives and Options
The non-statutory public consultation on Alternatives and Options for the N24 Waterford to Cahir Project that was scheduled for Q4 2021 is being postponed until January 2022. A number of in-person consultation events at locations within the study area, combined with presenting the material on the project website were being planned for November/ December 2021.
In light of recent rises in the cases of COVID-19, Kilkenny County Council has decided in the interest of public safety not to hold an in-person public consultation event and therefore, the public consultation will be fully on-line. To ensure adequate opportunity for participation by the public, the consultation will run for a period of 6 weeks. The consultation has therefore been postponed until January 2022 to avoid it running through the Christmas period.
The purpose of this non-statutory public consultation will be to inform the public of the potential transport solutions developed that have the potential to solve the issues identified along the N24 corridor between Waterford and Cahir and to provide an opportunity for the public to give feedback. Potential solutions include road based options, including a potential upgrade of the existing road, and alternative transport solutions such as bus, rail and active travel modes. Public consultation forms an important part of advancing the development of an appropriate solution for the project.
More detailed information will be provided on this website closer to the date of the public consultation platform going live. Notices will be placed in local newspapers and advertisements will run on local radio stations throughout the consultation period to inform the public. Potentially affected landowners will be notified directly and invited to engage directly with the project team.
Kilkenny County Council, in partnership with Tipperary County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the Department of Transport (DoT), values the opinion of the community on this project and looks forward to feedback from the public and interested parties when the consultation commences.
News Bulletin #3 – Constraints Study Public Consultation Ended
The non-statutory Public Consultation on ‘Constraints’ ended on 01 June 2021. The project team will now be reviewing submissions and will formally respond to individuals submissions. The material that was on display at the virtual public consultation is available here. The purpose of the consultation was to inform the public of the study area for the project, the key constraints identified to date and the programme for advancement of the project. Public consultation forms an important part of advancing the development of an appropriate solution for the project.
Following the valued feedback the project team will review the information, which will feed the process of identifying appropriate solutions to the issues that have been identified. Appropriate solutions may include alternatives such as bus, rail and active travel modes, and different road based options. The alternatives and Options developed will all be displayed at our next public consultation, programmed for the end of 2021.
News Bulletin #2 – Constraints Study Public Consultation
A non-statutory public consultation is now available on this project website for virtual participation until 1st June 2021 and is available here. The purpose of this consultation is to inform the public of the study area for the project, the key constraints identified to date and the programme for advancement of the project. Public consultation forms an important part of advancing the development of an appropriate solution for the project.
As part of this process, the project team are seeking feedback from the public on the study area and key constraints for the project.
Due to COVID-19, Kilkenny County Council is unable to hold a public consultation event in-person within the study area for the project. An online public consultation platform has therefore been developed on this project website and has been live since 1pm on Tuesday 4th May 2021. It contains all the information that would normally be displayed at a formal in-person public consultation. This online public consultation platform provides a virtual public consultation room and interactive maps with the key constraints identified to date and an online feedback form for submission of comments or queries.
It is understood that online information cannot be accessed by everyone, and notwithstanding the restrictions COVID-19 present, the project team is keen to engage with people throughout the consultation period. Hardcopies of brochures and feedback forms can be requested, and telephone meetings can also be booked by calling Kilkenny County Council on 056-779 4000.
Submissions can be made using the online feedback form available on the project website www.n24waterford2cahir.ie/, or by email to N24Waterford2Cahir@kilkennycoco.ie, or by post addressed to N24 Waterford to Cahir Project, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, R95 A39T up until Tuesday 1st of June 2021.
Kilkenny County Council in partnership with Tipperary County Council values the opinion of the community on this project and welcomes feedback from the public and interested parties.