TUS president pleads with government to provide 'vital piece of infrastructure' for Limerick

THE PRESIDENT of Technological University of the Shannon has issued an impassioned plea on government to build the second phase of the Northern Distributor Road.

Prof Vincent Cunnane was addressing the Chamber business awards with the project having been shelved by Transport Minister Eamon Ryan.

As it stands, only the initial phase of the multi-million euro link, connecting Coonagh to Knockalisheen and opening up Moyross will be completed.

The second phase seen as crucial to the development of both Castletroy and University of Limerick’s new economic zone in Clare, is not included in a new transport strategy designed to govern the needs of transport locally over the next decade.

Phase two was projected to see the road continue from Knockalisheen, cross the Shannon, bypass Corbally and traverse the Mountshannon Road, before continuing to ultimately link up to the M7.

In a message to government, Prof Cunnane said: “I heard JP McManus saying Limerick could well become our Silicon Valley, our Silicon corridor. But we can only go as far as our infrastructure will allow us. Give us that vital piece of infrastructure, and let us create the knowledge corridor. Then leave the rest to us. To our entrepreneurs, our educators, our business people, our local authorities and our community. Let us draw the inspiration and the industrial spirit of our business community here tonight and let us get moving.”

The appeal was met with loud cheers from the audience present.

JP McManus tells Limerick business: 'Keep doing what you're doing'

In a separate development, it’s emerged the Limerick to Foynes road, including a bypass of Adare village could be delayed after two judicial reviews were lodged.

An Bord Pleanala gave the green light to the €450m development earlier this year after several delays.

OPW Minister and local TD Patrick O’Donovan has admitted it’s a setback in terms of timing, with high hopes among industry it can be delivered in time for the 2027 Ryder Cup.

“There is a process by which people are entitled to take reviews to the court which is what has happened in this instance. Our hope will be the deliberations around it would take place as smoothly and as quickly as possible so this project which is of vital importance for Limerick and the region can proceed,” he said.

In his speech to the Chamber business awards last Friday night, its president Donal Cantillon also acknowledged the review.

“The Chamber is very proud of its role in lobbying government to back to the Limerick to Foynes road, including the Adare bypass and welcomed An Bord Pleanala’s approval in late August. While progress may be impacted by judicial review, it is progressing and we continue to maintain a strong watching brief to ensure its implementation with phase one hopefully completed in time for the eagerly awaited Ryder Cup in 2027,” he told business leaders at the black-tie event at the Limerick Strand Hotel.