Limerick to Cork motorway 'excellent news for locals', says Senator

LIMERICK Fine Gael senator Maria Byrne has welcomed government funding of €486m for road projects across the state – including the M20.

With the Capital Plan due to be announced within the fortnight, it is all but certain the motorway linking Ireland’s second and third cities will be a part of it, following comments by Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe.

Ms Byrne said: “Enhancing local infrastructure will help improve the lives of Limerick people, as well as making the area even more accessible.”

She said that not only will money for the M20 be provided, the main construction for the Coonagh to Knockalisheen road will also be included, as well as the continuation of design/planning work for the N21/N69 Adare to Foynes road.

Independent Clare TD Dr Michael Harty also confirmed today that funding will be made available for the Killaloe by-pass in the capital plan.

“In addition, a package of extra measures will now be implemented on our road networks across the country including reduced energy usage for route lighting, minor improvement works and community involvement programmes, together with the assessment of potential future projects,” Ms Byrne added.

Last week, the Limerick Leader also revealed that Transport Minister Shane Ross had asked Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to look at route ‘options’ for the Limerick to Cork motorway, which could delay the stop-start project for up to three years.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe have both said the €1 billion project is certain to be included in the government’s 10-year capital plan later this month. However, what is not so certain is the route.