Official opening of €20m motorway service station between Limerick and Galway

A NEW €20 million service station, on previously one of the longest stretches of motorway without access to services, will be officially opened this Thursday.

Minister Darragh O’Brien will cut the ribbon in the Banner Plaza at Junction 12 on the M18 near Ennis. The Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and Minister for Transport will be joined by top Limerick athlete Sarah Lavin, All Star Clare hurler Tony Kelly and RTÉ’s Marty Morrissey.

The Banner Plaza development brings services to what had been a 100 kilometre stretch of motorway without access to a service station between Limerick and Galway. 

A total of 120 jobs have been created. It represents a significant investment in infrastructure along the Atlantic Corridor, which carries tens of thousands of vehicles each day between the Mid-West and the West of Ireland.

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A spokesperson said for many years this section of motorway was widely regarded as one of the longest stretches of EU motorway without a service station, making the new facility "an important improvement for motorists, commuters and tourism traffic travelling the route".

The modern facility includes a large food court featuring Supermac’s, Papa John’s and Mac’s Place Deli, alongside a convenience retail offering, fuel forecourt and extensive parking facilities designed to serve cars, buses and HGVs.

The development also includes eight super-fast EV charging points, reflecting the growing demand for electric vehicle infrastructure along Ireland’s national road network.

A significant number of local contractors, suppliers and professional services — including conveyancing and construction firms — were involved in delivering the project, "ensuring the economic benefits of the development were felt across the wider Clare region".

Speaking ahead of the official opening, Plaza Group owner Pat McDonagh said the development represents a major investment in infrastructure and regional connectivity.

“The Banner Plaza represents a major investment along the Atlantic Corridor. For many years motorists travelling between Limerick and Galway had limited opportunities to safely stop, rest and refuel.

“This development finally brings services to what was effectively a 100 kilometre stretch of motorway without a proper service facility.

“We are also very proud that this project has created 120 jobs and involved many local contractors and professional firms in Clare and the wider region.”

Minister Darragh O’Brien said the development represents an important addition to the national road network.

“The opening of Banner Plaza at Junction 12 on the M18 is a very significant milestone for the Atlantic Corridor and for road users travelling between Limerick and Galway.

“For many years, this route represented one of the longest stretches of motorway without access to a service station. This development addresses that gap and provides motorists with a safe and convenient place to stop, rest and refuel. 

“This €20 million investment, which has created 120 jobs, is also a strong example of how private enterprise can support regional development and strengthen our national transport infrastructure,” said Minister O’Brien.

The Banner Plaza has already become a popular stopping point for motorists since opening to the public, serving both local communities and the large volume of traffic using the M18 corridor each day.