'Huge delays' coming into Cavan Town
“Everybody is talking about the huge delays coming into Cavan.”
Those were the words of Cllr Áine Smith (FF), who raised a motion at last week’s council meeting for investment on the N3 and the main approach roads to Cavan Town.
She called upon Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to invest in and improve the National Road Network and outlined the “poor condition” of the approach road to the county town, “worn surfaces”, “congestion” and “traffic delays”.
“These issues are causing frustration for road users,” she said, raising “safety concerns” and “daily problems” for commuters.
“If we want to attract more business, jobs, and investment into Cavan Town, the condition, safety, and overall look of this road really matters,” she said.
“Image is important, and at present the approach road does not reflect the potential or ambition of the town.”
Meanwhile, she said “traffic problems” on the N3 also put extra pressure on the town centre and affect public transport and emergency services.
Referencing an earlier motion during which councillors heard planning for the Virginia bypass was pushed back to Q4 2027, she said perhaps “enough” was said on that issue.
However, Cllr Smith highlighted how the issue is not just affecting people in Virginia as “many of my neighbours, friends and family” travel on this route.
She called on TII to address the poor condition of the N3 on the approach to Cavan Town, prioritise funding for short-term improvements and plan for longer-term upgrades that “match the role of Cavan Town as the county town and a growing regional centre”.
Cllr T.P. O’Reilly (FG) said the all the councillors “need to be shouting about the bypass” and also added that there is “pressure” on the roundabout at the Hotel Kilmore during busy times.
The motion also received support from Cllr Niamh Brady (FG) who said the Tractamotors junction needs to be looked at.
Cllr Brendan Fay (Ind) said this is something that comes up “all the time”, and also supported the motion.
Director of Services Paddy Connaughton said the council is “finalising plans” for the Kilmore road this year, and a “long term traffic solution for the town will be on display shortly”.