Sinn Féin has called on the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, to "pull his finger out" to ensure funding is in place to complete the Coonagh to Knockalisheen road scheme in Limerick.

Limerick TD Maurice Quinlivan said the expected delivery date of 2020 or 2021 is "simply unacceptable".

Deputy Quinlivan said: "The funding announced recently by the Minister of Transport Shane Ross will mean that, unless there is urgent intervention by Government, particularly Minister Noonan, the earliest the road will be completed by is 2020.

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"The money confirmed is for initial work such as site clearance, boundary fencing, and carriageway drainage. Actual road construction remains without funding or a date when works will start. The Coonagh to Knockalisheen Road has, according to the Construction Information Service, had its start date changed 15 times since 2012.

"We now see that, despite the recent funding announcement, there is no commitment for further funding to actually build this critical piece of infrastructure.

"This road would not just open up the Moyross area, but the whole of the northside of Limerick and parts of East Clare and give those areas increased proximity to Shannon airport which would be key to bringing in new investment and jobs. It could be a game changer for communities in the area."

(CD/MH)