Minister for Transport and Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan TD has this week given approval for the construction of the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road scheme to proceed.
The scheme forms a key link in the future commercial, residential and recreational development of north Limerick City.
The scheme will:
- aid in the implementation of the Limerick regeneration programme
- improve the connectivity of the local and regional road network
- reduce travel times for commuters
- facilitate the development of an effective public transport system to serve north west Limerick City
ROD has, in partnership with MRG Consulting Engineers, brought the scheme from initial constraints study through route selection and preliminary design to planning, detailed design and tender. An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and an Oral Hearing were required at the planning stage. In 2018, an advance works contract was undertaken to construct approximately 300 metres of the urban dual carriageway and a further 650 metres of surcharged embankment for the future dual carriageway.
The proposed development comprises:
- 2.2km of new urban dual carriageway road with footways, cycleways, verges and embankment construction works
- 0.6km of new urban single carriageway road with footways, cycleways and verges
- 2.0km of major improvements to an existing urban single carriageway road with footways, cycleways and verges
- 1.0km of minor improvements to existing rural single carriageway roads
- 2 new rail bridges
- 3 new roundabouts
- 2 traffic signal-controlled junctions
Director of Housing Development with Limerick City and County Council Aoife Duke welcomed the news, saying: “As director responsible for the delivery of the [Limerick] regeneration programme, this announcement is hugely important for the people of Moyross. The Coonagh to Knockalisheen Road has always been one of the cornerstone projects of the whole programme, opening up the Moyross estate and the north side of Limerick city to a myriad of possibilities.”
Director of Capital Investment with Limerick City and County Council Seamus Hanrahan, whose department manages the project, said: “The contractor is selected and ready to commence work on this key project for Limerick city. The overall investment of €58 million will impact positively on the local economy during and after construction. Construction is due to commence in March, subject to Covid Level restrictions.”
