Re-route a threat to Cork-Limerick motorway

Executive staff of Cork County Council, backed by elected members, have warned the Government any attempt to re-route a proposed motorway link between Cork and Limerick through Tipperary would be a disaster for the economies of North Cork, Kerry, and West Limerick.

Senior officials and county councillors were responding to unconfirmed reports the Government may resort to including a large part of the existing M8 Cork-Dublin motorway for a long-awaited improved intercity link between Cork and Limerick.

Some proposals suggest forcing traffic into South Tipperary — where it would connect to a new motorway linking Cahir and Limerick — would be financially more viable than a direct route from Cork through towns such as Mallow and Charleville.