The multi-million euro bypass of Cashel in Co Tipperary has been officially opened by the new Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen.
The seven kilometre bypass is the first ever section of dual carriageway in Co Tipperary and was finished seven months ahead of schedule,
This brings to four the number of NRA projects completed ahead of schedule and on budget so far this year. It cost a total of €48 million.
The National Roads Authority says it is part of what will be a new superhighway between Dublin and Cork, most of which will be dual carriageway to be completed within five years.
Overall, the NRA says €8bn is to be spent on road building in Ireland between now and 2009.
Cashel Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the bypass, saying it is liberation day for the people of the town following years of traffic mayhem in Cashel.
