Virginia bypass pushed back to late 2027

The council chamber erupted today after news that the Virginia bypass project had been pushed back again.

The project will not go to planning until the last quarter of 2027, today's monthly meeting of Cavan County Council heard.

The motion, tabled by Virginia councillor TP O'Reilly (FG), said that the project was supposed to go to planning in early 2026.

"Now," he said, adding that he was "looking for good news" as a result of the motion.

Director of Services Paddy Connaughton delivered the update that it would be "most likely" Q4 2027 before the project would reach the planning stage.

Cllr O'Reilly fumed that the new date was "bananas" and pointed out the consultants have been paid "big money" to get the project to the planning stage. He described this date as "completely unacceptable".

The motion received support from several other councillors including the Cathaoirleach who said the Virginia bypass has a "huge impact on the entire county."

Read more in this week's Anglo-Celt.