New Limerick to Cork motorway to reduce journey times by 30 minutes

DETAILS of the N/M20 dual carriage motorway have just been released. 

The developing design for the motorway has been announced, as well as 100km of active travel infrastructure, transport hubs and a freight hub, along with enhanced public transport. 

The project is an investment priority for the Government’s national development plan. 

A planning application is to be submitted for the motorway in 2025, subject to Government approval. 

It’s hoped that the new design will address safety concerns, as well as offering sustainable transport options. 

One of the aims is that it will also support regional and local economic growth, as well as supporting decarbonisation goals. 

There was a briefing for public representatives today, where they heard about the alternative road types and councillors were told that the M20 “will be five times safer than the current N20 single carriageway and reduces intercity journey times on average by 30 minutes.” 

This is the largest single active travel project to be undertaken nationally and will connect communities from Blarney to Patrickswell and encourage walking and cycling on the 100km travel pathways. 

Transport hubs have also been identified for Rathduff, Mourneabbey, Mallow, Buttevant, Charleville, Bruree and Croom. 

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They will feature park and ride facilities, as well EV charging points. 

Mallow in Cork will also be home to a freight hub for secure parking, welfare and EV charging for heavy goods vehicles. 

Distance based barrier free tolling has also been recommended - this would mean that users would pay based on how far they’ve travelled on the M20. 

Another update on the project is expected at the end of 2024, in line with the planning application projected for 2025.