Protests over cash disrupt M7 opening
The opening of the 13km Nenagh-Limerick stretch had previously been delayed, by almost a year, by subsidence of the new road at Birdhill, Co Tipperary.
The planned access point for the official opening ceremony was yesterday obstructed by heavy vehicles amid claims that monies were outstanding to some companies that provided services for the new route.
Transport Minister Noel Dempsey said the opening of the new section at Birdhill would remove high volumes of traffic from serious accident locations like Daly’s Cross and Yellow Bridge and improve road safety for all motorists.
The new road had previously sank on a 100-metre stretch at Annaholty bog.
“The road sank for a particular reason, but now it’s ok,” Mr Dempsey assured the public.
The new 38km stretch between Limerick and Nenagh was built at a total cost of €424m. Engineers resolved the subsidence by creating a load transfer platform, at a cost of €3m.
MEP Alan Kelly claimed local people had warned about the route taken through the bogland.
“It’s a pity the NRA didn’t take the advice of local people when the route was being selected,” he said. “Effectively, the NRA made the wrong choice.”
Limerick County Council were the lead local authority on the project. Council chairman Cllr Richard Butler said: “I trust that this new motorway will improve Limerick’s opportunities both as a location for foreign inward investment and also encourage even more tourists to visit our great county.
“Limerick should be seen as an example given the extent of the roads infrastructure delivered during the Celtic Tiger era.”
Cllr John Kennedy, Mayor of Northern Tipperary County Council said: “The completion of this phase will enhance North Tipperary’s strategic position as a location for investment.”
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