Cork Chamber and Limerick Chamber have welcomed the announcement that a preferred mixed-modal transport solution has been selected for the highly anticipated N/M20 upgrade signalling the advancement of the project to the next stage.
Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber commented, “After over a decade highlighting the economic importance of this major project linking two of Ireland’s most progressive city regions, it is positive to see this progress and it represents another step towards the delivery of this project. The preferred multi-modal transport solution will encompass 80km of high-quality grade separated dual carriageway, a safe and segregated 80km active cycle and walking corridor as part of the Cork to Limerick Greenway, and enhanced public transport corridors provided via rail and bus services with additional and more frequent services.”
“This mixed-modal solution is essential to de-congesting and transforming towns along the route that typically see heavy and dangerous traffic conditions. Upon completion of the project, we can expect to witness greater connectivity between Cork, Limerick and Galway, an indispensable element to improving the region’s economic attractiveness to investment. It is vital to the success of the project that strategically placed ‘Park and Ride’ services and mobility hubs remain high on the agenda as the project progresses.”
“While public consultations will be held over the next two years, we will continue to keep our members informed with planned online briefings already in the pipeline. In the meantime, we urge Government to continue to support sustainable infrastructure projects that focus on economic and environmental resilience and to deliver on support for CMATS/LSMATS which are a huge part of the overall picture”
Dee Ryan, CEO of Limerick Chamber commented “Today represents a significant step forward in improving regional connectivity in Ireland and developing an effective counter-balance to Dublin. The decision to take a multi-modal approach is welcomed by the business community who are aware of the importance of decarbonising and welcome the proposed investment in rail and active transport solutions together with significant road investment.
Connectivity is a cornerstone for business development and economic growth, and to that end Limerick and Cork Chambers have long advocated for improvements in journey times and accessibility between our two cities. In 2017 we jointly commissioned a study to examine the possible benefits of the investment. Analysis revealed those benefits to include a projected decrease in annual road accidents, time savings on journeys, increasing the labour force size within a 45-minute commute of large employer centres and the expansion of catchment area of Shannon and Cork airports as well as Foynes Port.
Once delivered, this safer, faster and more direct solution to connect Ireland’s second and third largest cities will effectively open up the west of Ireland by improving journey times all the way up to Galway. “
“The option selection announced today represent more than just plans for a road, it represents plans for a unique transport corridor made up of rail, road and active travel options including a greenway. The inclusion of a greenway, which is anticipated to be the largest and longest in Ireland, will add to the existing greenway infrastructure already in place or under construction and will add value to the regional tourism offering.
The next phase is for the project deliver team to consult with local land owners, businesses and wider communities. It is crucial that we now keep the momentum going.”
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