BREAKING: Proposed route revealed for Limerick to Cork motorway

A PLANNING application for the €1.2bn M20 project is set to be submitted to An Bord Pleanala next year, subject to Government approving the project's business case.

Ministers are set to study this later this year, and it's hoped their approval will pave the way for an application on the huge new motorway linking up Limerick and Cork.

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This Monday lunchtime, council issued an update which provides detailed specific information on the route the road will take.

It indicates for the first time the extent of lands which will need to be acquired.

If permission is given, the project will be constructed in phases, with bypasses of Charleville, Buttevant and Mallow initially.

If all goes to plan, construction of the project could begin in 2028, and it's estimated that the road will take approximately seven years to fully complete.

Interactive mapping on the route is available now here

It shows specific information on the indicative development boundaries, the mainline of the road, junctions and side-road designs.

There are layouts for seven transport hubs and a dedicated freight hub among many other design details and construction information.

Public display events will be held between 12pm and 8pm in Charleville this Tuesday, June 17,  Adare on Wednesday, June 18, and Mallow this Thursday, June 19. A public webinar is to take place at 7pm on Tuesday, June 24 online.

Mayor John Moran, said: "This project is a key infrastructural priority in the National Development Plan. In my recent  submission of Limerick 'asks' to Government, I requested that funding be allocated to the project to ensure that it progresses as quickly as possible. When delivered and built, it will replace one of the most dangerous roads in the country with new transit links that will be five times safer than the existing single carriageway. It will also provide much needed connectivity to our neighbours in Cork, which will provide a significant economic boost to both cities and counties.”

Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien, added: "This latest update underscores the vital role that stakeholder engagement has played in shaping the route for the N/M20 motorway. The Department of Transport, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), and the project team remain committed to ongoing engagement with all stakeholders as the project progresses.”

Dr Pat Daly, director general of Limerick City and County Council, said: "The N/M20 Cork to Limerick Project represents a transformative investment in the Mid-West region. We remain committed to working closely with our partners to ensure its successful delivery for the benefit of all communities along the route."

It's anticipated the new motorway will lead to safer, shorter and more reliable journey times between Blarney and Patrickswell, where it will originate. The two areas could be linked in just 40 minutes by car, 45 minutes by bus and 50 minutes for heavy goods vehicles.

The project will include one of Ireland’s largest Active Travel Network - 100 kms - creating safe and inclusive walking and cycling options for all users, connecting the communities of Blarney, Rathduff, Mourneabbey, Mallow, New Twopothouse, Buttevant, Charleville, Banogue, Croom and Patrickswell.

Seven transport hubs along the route at Rathduff, Mourneabbey, Mallow, Buttevant, Charleville, Bruree and Croom will provide charging points for electric vehicles.

A freight hub at Mallow will facilitate safe, secure parking and rest areas for HGV drivers.

Thousands of acres will be planted with native tree species, bushes, hedgerows, shrubs and grasslands.