Regeneration agencies welcome go-ahead for ‘key’ link road
The decision gives the green light to the project, estimated to cost in excess of €40 million, and which was identified as the top priority to redevelop Moyross.
The scheme will involve the provision of a 3km distributor road along the north-west of the city, extending from the Coonagh Roundabout on the N18 northwards to the Knockalisheen Road, as well as a link road to Moyross and an upgrade of a 1.7km stretch of the existing Knockalisheen Road.
It will also free up the area for significant potential investment, including a proposed industrial park for manufacturing purposes located off the distributor road at Moyross.
An estimated 216 jobs are expected to be created during the road’s construction.
Limerick Regeneration Agencies chief executive, Brendan Kenny, said its significance to the overall project could not be overstated.
He said: “This is one of the key pieces of infrastructure for not just the Moyross area but for the entire northside of the city.
“The fact that the main road artery into the area is a cul-de-sac brought about significant social exclusion and associated problems for decades in this area. The distributor road will bring an end to this, delivering considerable social and economic benefits as a result.”
Mr Kenny said the decision by An Bord Pleanála acknowledged the strategic importance of the new roadway to the regeneration process in the Moyross area, given its potential to promote new urban development along the Knockalisheen Road.
“This dual carriageway distributor road, with a link into Moyross, itself will open up Moyross to the whole northside of the city and to the wider region beyond. It should hugely influence any potential economic investment opportunities which may develop.”
He said the agencies are now looking forward to progress being made to develop the road.
“Despite challenging economic constraints, there is a clear commitment from Government on funding of the project and we remain confident the project will commence as planned in 2012.”
