Frequent travellers to the West of Ireland are waiting for the end of the salmon run up the Kinnegad river so that work can finish on the slip road. But some have found a new, smart way of avoiding Kinnegad.
You may recall that work on the slip road, which will take traffic bound for Athlone and Galway away from the town, had to be delayed because the erection of a new bridge over the Kinnegad river might disrupt the salmon running up it to breed.
Some motorists turn off the main western road in Enfield and head for Edenderry to avoid the long traffic jams which frequently build up in Kinnegad, especially at peak times.
These are people who like to move faster than spawning salmon.
However, there's no gain without pain, and the road from Enfield to Edenderry is a twisting, winding, snake-like route, potholed and dangerous.
Recently county councillors from Offaly held a meeting in Edenderry to seek to have the road upgraded and to press to have a bridge across the Boyne proceed on time. It is due to be started this year.
They invited their colleagues from across the border in Kildare, who have the responsibility for the upkeep of most of the road, to the meeting.
But not one of the Kildare councillors went to Edenderry for the meeting. The Offaly folk were less than happy with what appeared to be a lack of interest in the issue.
It appears that the road is only No 5 on the priority list in Co Kildare, and the Offaly people would like to see it made No 1.
The authorities in Offaly are anxious that work proceed as quickly as possible on the scheme, to facilitate traffic to the new peat-burning station which is being built near Edenderry.
They also feel it is very important for the development of Edenderry itself as, according to Senator Pat Moylan, the condition of the road between the two towns is "embarrassing".
One more attempt to lure the Kildare people into Offaly will be made on January 20th, when a public meeting will be held to discuss the issue.