A new bypass will restore calm to the west Limerick town of Askeaton which has seen an increase in traffic in recent years.
In recent years Askeaton had become a bottleneck, due to the the volume of cars and articulated lorries making their way through the town's narrow streets. The situation was described by Limerick County Council as,
A major headache for motorists trying to get through the town.
The opening of the Aughinish-Alumina plant compounded traffic problems for Askeaton. The solution was found in the form of a bypass road and bridge over the river Deel which will divert the heavy vehicles away from the town.
Chairman of Limerick County Council Councillor Liam Hickey officially opened the £2.25 million scheme, which took two years to complete.
Not everyone welcomed the latest addition to the area's road infrastructure however. Local traders are worried that their livelihoods are at risk, now that fewer people will be passing through Askeaton. Limerick County Council maintains that the bypass is part of creating a better future for the region,
It's vital for developing the economy of the area.
An RTÉ News report broadcast 25 May 1986. The reporter is Una O'Hagan.
