Plans have been lodged to develop a major route connecting Limerick town Foynes to the national motorway network.

The €400 - €450 million scheme will see a 35km development completed, comprising of around 15.6km of dual carriageway from Foynes to Rathkeale, a 1.9km single carriageway road between Ballyclogh and Askeaton as well as the construction of 17.5km of motorway connecting Rathkeale to the existing motorway network at Attyflin.

Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council Dr Pat Daly, who signed the various schemes, said: "The lodging of the application is an important step for the strategic development of Shannon Foynes Port, for West Limerick and the Mid-West Region overall. It is important that there is a good quality road network to help our competitiveness in attracting inward investment and the ongoing development of the tourism sector and its benefits for the region."

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Brian Kennedy, Director of Physical Development with Limerick City and County Council added: "The project will remove around 70 to 80 percent of the daily traffic currently passing through Adare (c17,000 vehicles/day). The proposed road is vital to improve safety and remove traffic delays with a new Heavy Goods Service Area near Foynes.

"Limerick City and County Council is very conscious that approximately 200 landholdings are impacted by the proposed road which also includes the acquisition of nine dwelling houses. We will continue discussions with all impacted landholders and householders and if the project is approved by An Bord Pleanála will conclude negotiations as soon as possible."

The lodging of the application sees the publication of the Motorway Scheme, Protected Road Scheme, Service Area Scheme, Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Natura Impact Statement.

The plans can be viewed and submissions are welcomed to An Bord Pleanála before 5.30pm on Friday 14 February 2020.

(CM/MH)