Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2026
109. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the progress to date in relation to the N/M20 Limerick to Cork motorway project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31291/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the Deputy for his question.
The project consists of a replacement of 80km of the current N20 between Cork and Limerick. It aims at improving connectivity between Cork and Limerick, and increasing journey time reliability for passenger and freight traffic along the route. It will also relieve congestion in towns along the route such as Mallow, Buttevant, and Charleville, improving the quality of life for residents in those towns. Reduction of traffic in the towns and villages along the N20 corridor will also promote active travel, with up to 100km of new active travel infrastructure proposed.
The Deputy will also be aware of the safety deficiencies along the existing N20, which it is intended that this project will address. This Government is committed to reducing road deaths and creating safer roads.
A preferred route has been selected and the project team are currently engaged in the Design and Evaluation phase. A project update was published in June 2024, in which the project team recommended that the scheme should be progressed as a motorway. A further update in June 2025 provided further details, including in relation to the refined requirements relating to land take as well as details of the transport hubs and active travel infrastructure to be delivered as part of the project. It is anticipated that once the Design and Evaluation phase deliverables are completed, the project will then be submitted to the Department of Transport by the end of this year. Subject to Government approval, the submission of statutory documents for the project to An Coimisiún Pleanála will follow thereafter. I look forward to seeing the progression of this critically important project.
I hope this information is of assistance to you.
