A controversial plan to build a multi-million euro motorway from Adare to Abbeyfeale has been scrapped due to a lack of funding.

The decision to axe the plans was confirmed by Limerick County Council.

Subsequently, a planning embargo, which has affected much of West Limerick for almost three years has now, has been lifted with immediate effect.

The plans, which would have cost as much as €450 million based on cost estimates taken in 2008, had been a source of significant opposition from local residents, lobby groups and county councillors.

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Director of Transport Services at Limerick County Council, Paul Crowe, confirmed that following a severe reduction in the National Roads Authority (NRA) capital spending budget for 2011, the decision was made to scrap the motorway plan and lift the current planning freeze.

According to Crowe the NRA made it clear that no money was likely to made available for the project "for the foreseeable future."

The plans had been at the route selection stage, and a final route was due to be chosen early this year before the project’s funding was cut.

A spokesman for the N21 Road Action Association, which represents residents opposed to the plans, welcomed the decision and said that "people power" played a role in the motorway's downfall.

Ger Kearney commented: "This decision was taken because of lack of funding, but I would prefer to think that it was because of people power. To all our committee members, I would like to thank them for giving their time and effort."

(JG)