The development of the M20 Limerick to Cork motorway will be given priority in the 10 Year Capital Plan, according to Finegael.

An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed the funds will no longer be a barrier to the project.

Fine Gael Limerick Senator and Seanad Spokesperson on Finance, Kieran O’Donnell, said: "Around this time last year I secured the re-activation of the planning process for the M20 (Limerick to Cork) motorway by raising the matter in the Seanad debate the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross.

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"At that point the Minister gave approval to Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to re-activate the planning process for the M20 (Limerick to Cork) motorway project.

"The people of Limerick and the wider Munster region have been waiting for this motorway for a long time and I have been campaigning heavily for it. The motorway will reduce the journey time from Limerick to Cork to 45 minutes.

"I was delighted to hear the Taoiseach say this morning that funds are no longer a barrier to this project.

"He noted that once planning permission is secured, the major costs will be in the area of land purchase and construction. Those costs are unlikely to arise in the current capital plan to 2021, however they will arise very soon thereafter. That is why this motorway is to be given priority in the 10 Year Capital plan."

(CD/MH)