Significant updates have been announced regarding the landmark N/M20 Cork to Limerick Project.

A planning application for the ambitious project is programmed to be submitted to An Bord Pleanála next year, subject to approval of the project's Business Case which will be presented to Government later this year.  

If planning consent is granted, the project will be constructed in phases, with traffic flow gains being achieved through the construction of by-passes of Charleville, Buttevant and Mallow initially. Dependent on the approval and planning process, construction of the project could begin in 2028. It is estimated that the project will take approximately seven years to fully complete. 

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, noted: "This project is a key infrastructural priority in the National Development Plan. In my recent submission of Limerick 'asks' to Government, I requested that funding be allocated to the project to ensure that it progresses as quickly as possible.

"When delivered and built, it will replace one of the most dangerous roads in the country with new transit links that will be five times safer than the existing single carriageway. It will also provide much needed connectivity to our neighbours in Cork, which will provide a significant economic boost to both cities and counties."

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The project will include one of Ireland's largest Active Travel Network - 100kms - connecting the communities of Blarney, Rathduff, Mourneabbey, Mallow, New Twopothouse, Buttevant, Charleville, Banogue, Croom and Patrickswell.

Seven Transport Hubs along the route at Rathduff, Mourneabbey, Mallow, Buttevant, Charleville, Bruree and Croom will provide charging points for electric vehicles and encourage car sharing and travel mode change to active travel and public transport. A freight hub at Mallow will facilitate safe, secure parking and rest areas for HGV drivers and provide charging points to encourage the transition towards zero emission HGVs and buses. 

A multidisciplinary team has informed the design on matters such as aquatic ecology, archaeology, architectural heritage and biodiversity. Following an assessment of the impact the project will have on the existing environment; the biodiversity value of replacement and additional planting will be maximised. Thousands of acres will be planted with native tree species, bushes, hedgerows, shrubs and grasslands.  

Interactive mapping available from the update on the project website presents the developing design which includes specific information on the Indicative Development Boundaries, mainline, junctions and side road design, layouts for seven Transport Hubs and a dedicated Freight Hub, amongst many other design details and construction information. Public display events are also being being held between 12pm and 8pm in Charleville today (June 17), in Adare on June 18 and in Mallow on June 19. 

The project team continues to welcome feedback from property owners, communities, businesses and other stakeholders, through in person meetings, public display events and a public webinar which will take place at 7pm on June 24. Further information can be seen on www.corklimerick.ie