N/M20 preferred route option unveiled

The preferred transport option for the Cork to Limerick N/M20 project was unveiled on Wednesday, which is now on public display via the CorkLimerick.ie website.

The preferred option commences just south of the Blarney Junction in Cork and remains largely online to maximise the reuse of the N20 until it diverged eastward near Mourneabbey. Staying east of the N20, it crosses the River Blackwater, the N72, the N73 and River Awbeg as it bypasses to the east of Mallow and Buttevant, until converging with the existing N20 north of Buttevant.

Remaining close to the N20, it then diverges westwards towards Ballyhea, bypassing to the west of Charleville before rejoining the N20 south of Croom. The preferred option reuses the N20 Croom Bypass and then diverges at Garranroe and runs west of the existing N20, until it reaches its tie in point with the existing M20/N21 at Attyflin.

In addressing feedback from the Public Consultation held in November 2020, the corridor was refined at Ballymague, Gortskagh and Foxhall East and the refinements have been adopted as part of this preferred option.

MIXED-MODAL TRANSPORT SOLUTION

The RS1 option was outlined as the preferred rail-based option for a new hourly train service between Cork and Limerick which will see a service via Limerick Junction using existing lines with a journey time of 1 hour and 21 minutes.

Cork Chamber and Limerick Chamber have welcomed the announcement that a preferred mixed-modal transport solution has been selected for the highly anticipated N/M20 upgrade, signalling the advancement of the project to the next stage.

Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber highlighted the importance of linking two of Ireland’s most progressive city regions and said that after over a decade of highlighting the topic, it is ‘positive’ to see progress.

“The preferred multi-modal transport solution will encompass 80km of high-quality grade-separated dual carriageway, a safe and segregated 80km active cycle and walking corridor as part of the Cork to Limerick Greenway, and enhanced public transport corridors provided via rail and bus services with additional and more frequent services," he said.

Mr Healy noted that further public consultations will be held on the project over the next two years and that members will be kept informed with online briefings.

According to Dee Ryan, CEO of Limerick Chamber, the announcement represents a ‘ significant step forward’ in improving on regional connectivity in Ireland and developing an ‘effective counterbalance’ to Dublin.

In 2017 the two chambers jointly commissioned a study to examine the possible benefits of the investment.

'MORE THAN JUST PLANS'

Analysis at the time revealed those benefits to include a projected decrease in annual road accidents, time savings on journeys, increasing the labour force size within a 45-minute commute of large employer centres and the expansion of the catchment area of Shannon and Cork airports as well as Foynes Port and Port of Cork.

“The option selection announced today represents more than just plans for a road, it represents plans for a unique transport corridor made up of rail, road and active travel options including a greenway. The next phase is for the project delivery team is to consult with local landowners, businesses and wider communities. It is crucial that we now keep the momentum going,” she said.

Cork East TD Seán Sherlock also welcomed the news, stating that funding for the project must now be secured.

"Thankfully the towns of Mallow, Buttevant and Charleville will now be bypassed. 62 people have died on the existing road in the past 25 years. We must see funding secured and proceed to planning stage so that we can have a safer road between the two cities,” Deputy Sherlock said.

Speaking on Wednesday's announcement, Cork North Central TD Pádraig O’Sullivan said that he welcomed the selection of the Green Corridor as the preferred route for the M20 motorway.

“At present, Limerick City and County Council is progressing the development of the N/M20 Cork to Limerick project in partnership with Cork County Council, Cork City Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Department of Transport. The project is a priority investment in the Government’s National Development Plan 2021-2030.

“It is important that the work starts as soon as possible and that the new road would ideally link with a new northern ring road connecting Bishopstown with Blarney and Glanmire,” Deputy O’Sullivan said.