2031 completion date projected for Virginia bypass

UPDATE Exact route to be published later this month

The Virginia Bypass is set to be completed by the year 2031, best estimates suggest.

Members of Cavan County Council were shocked to hear the projected completion date will be 10 years after the vital road project was first put on the National Development Plan.

The update was signalled on Monday during a briefing from Barry Transport Ltd, the company in charge of completing the first four phases of the project. The briefing took place “in committee” before the monthly council meeting meaning the media were not present. However, elements of the briefing spilled over into the main meeting.

The Celt can reveal that the project is set to enter the tendering stage in 2026, with construction expected to begin in 2028.

While some elected members are confident the project would be delivered by 2031, others remain sceptical.

One person who originally envisioned a 2026/27 completion date, said they were surprised to learn of a further four-year projected timeframe. Some anticipated construction might only begin by 2031.

In response to those views, a spokesperson for Cavan County Council countered: “That’s not quite right, 2031 was discussed as a potential completion date, rather than a sod-turning.”

Outlining the thrust of the earlier discussion, a source told the Celt the route has been finalised, and is very similar to the proposed route. The final chosen route is due to be published later this month.

The only major change outlined is said to be close to Tírlán, formerly Glanbia, where a second road will be introduced connecting the N3 to the bypass.

The development corridor, which surrounds the road, is set to narrow, giving those who are looking for planning permission some reprieve.

Landowners and those who may be affected by the change will receive a letter updating them on developments.

Members of the meeting also outlined extensive focus on public transport and alternative transport including cycling or walking infrastructure.

Following the presentation, councillors were mainly concerned about a housing estate in Virginia, located quite close to the proposed bypass, as well as ensuring sufficient parking be made available.

There was also a lot of frustration regarding roundabout and slipways, which seemingly have not yet been finalised.

Linking Derver to Lisgrey, and running north of Lough Ramor, the proposed route connects to Burrencarragh south of Virginia town and the R195 Oldcastle road.

It could include as many as three roundabouts, located at either end, with another forming a junction at the R178 Bailieborough Road unless overpassed.

The total estimated cost of the project once complete could reach as high as €130m, however this is yet to be confirmed.

The Virginia Bypass is set to be completed by the year 2031, best estimates suggest.

Members of Cavan County Council were shocked to hear the projected completion date will be 10 years after the vital road project was first put on the National Development Plan.

The update was signalled on Monday during a briefing from Barry Transport Ltd, the company in charge of completing the first four phases of the project. The briefing took place “in committee” before the monthly council meeting meaning the media were not present. However, elements of the briefing spilled over into the main meeting.

The Celt can reveal that the project is set to enter the tendering stage in 2026, with construction expected to begin in 2028.

While some elected members are confident the project would be delivered by 2031, others remain sceptical.

One person who originally envisioned a 2026/27 completion date, said they were surprised to learn of a further four-year projected timeframe. Some anticipated construction might only begin by 2031.

In response to those views, a spokesperson for Cavan County Council countered: “That’s not quite right, 2031 was discussed as a potential completion date, rather than a sod-turning.”

Outlining the thrust of the earlier discussion, a source told the Celt the route has been finalised, and is very similar to the proposed route. The final chosen route is due to be published later this month.

The only major change outlined is said to be close to Tírlán, formerly Glanbia, where a second road will be introduced connecting the N3 to the bypass.

The development corridor, which surrounds the road, is set to narrow, giving those who are looking for planning permission some reprieve.

Landowners and those who may be affected by the change will receive a letter updating them on developments.

Members of the meeting also outlined extensive focus on public transport and alternative transport including cycling or walking infrastructure.

Following the presentation, councillors were mainly concerned about a housing estate in Virginia, located quite close to the proposed bypass, as well as ensuring sufficient parking be made available.

There was also a lot of frustration regarding roundabout and slipways, which seemingly have not yet been finalised.

Linking Derver to Lisgrey, and running north of Lough Ramor, the proposed route connects to Burrencarragh south of Virginia town and the R195 Oldcastle road.

It could include as many as three roundabouts, located at either end, with another forming a junction at the R178 Bailieborough Road unless overpassed.

The total estimated cost of the project once complete could reach as high as €130m, however this is yet to be confirmed.