Work on the proposed over-bridge on the Tower Road Junction scheme it expected to be completed in late 2019 or early 2020.

Transport for Ireland revealed the information at a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow – Kilkenny Bobby Aylward welcomed the news.

He said: "I raised the issue of the lethal Tower Rd and Ink Bottle Junction's on the N24 with the CEO of TII, Mr. Michael Nolan, at a recent meeting of the PAC.

"Mr Nolan stated that the short term safety improvement works are expected to be completed shortly and that Kilkenny County Council is progressing tender documentation for the consultancy service for the proposed over bridge on the N24 Piltown Bypass at Tower Road. It is anticipated that a consultant will be appointed before the end of 2017.

-- Advertisement --

"I then asked Mr Nolan to clarify whether he was talking about closing the two junctions, building an overhead bridge and having a means of driving onto the road system, as with motorways. He confirmed that there would be grade separation. It is expected that a standard junction arrangement will be put in place which will also tidy up the conflict with the Ink Bottle junction further down the road, and the junction directly at the village.

"The plans are in train and TII's solution at all times was to close off both junctions and grade-separate one of them, tying them all in together."

(CD/LM)