Chamber wants timeline for Cork-Limerick motorway
The planned €800m M20 was not included in the Government’s five-year capital projects announced last year, but the projects are to be reviewed in 2017 with fresh hopes it will be added to the list.
Cork Chamber chief executive Conor Healy said that while he welcomed the announcement made about the €1m grant for restarting the planning process, more information was needed.
The project was previously referred to Bord Pleanála which undertook an oral hearing lasting several days, in Charleville.
However, five years ago, before An Bord Pleanála issued a judgement, the Government withdrew the application as the money was not available for a new motorway.
Had the planning appeals’ board approved the application, the Government would have been obliged to almost immediately activate compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) and compensate landowners for the land required to construct the road.
“We welcome any progress with regard to the M20 because of the critical importance of linking Ireland’s second and third cities,” said Mr Healy. “But we need clarity and timelines on delivery dates and confirmation on when funding might be made available to construct it.”
Meanwhile, Cllr John Paul O’Shea said he would also be seeking further information from Cork County Council on the project.
“The €1m is welcome, but there’s still a further €799m needed and we need to know when that will become available,” he said.
Confirmation of the €1m allocation was revealed by Limerick-based Fine Gael Senator Kieran O’Donnell, who had sought to reactivate the project.
“I am delighted that Transport Minister Shane Ross and his department have given the green light to TII to reactivate the planning process for the motorway. This will be carried out by the TII in advance of the mid-term capital review due to take place in 2017,” he said.
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