The Transport Minister has confirmed that the Limerick Northern Distributor Road project will go ahead in it’s entirety.
Minister Eamon Ryan had considered including a light rail link in the project, in a move that led some to fear that the road would be delayed, but that will now not be the case.
The Limerick Northern Distributor Road, which has been 13 years in the planning, is considered by many to be of strategic importance to business in the region.
It will also open access to the University of Limerick and facilitate its further expansion.
Despite being given the go ahead by An Bord Pleanala, it wasn’t included in Budget 2021 and has since awaited approval by the Transport Minister.
This was because Eamon Ryan was considering the planned road, in the context of adding rail links to the works, but this led to concerns that any change to the plans would force the project back to the drawing board, and back to the start of the planning process.
Today, Minister Eamon Ryan has told Live95 the project won’t be delayed any further.
The road will proceed with the addition of what are described as sustainable transport measures, including a bus lane and improved pedestrian and cycle accessibility.
The Minister’s u-turn comes amid growing political pressure, including from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael figures, and will be welcomed in some South-East Clare communities where associated infrastructural projects may also have been delayed.
This includes plans for a sewerage upgrade in Meelick.
Sixmilebridge-based Independent councillor PJ Ryan believes today’s announcement provides certainty to residents in the village.
Responding to today’s news, Clare Fianna Fáil TD Cathal Crowe has said people in South-East Clare will be breathing a sigh of relief.
Clare’s Fine Gael TD Joe Carey says common sense has now prevailed and he insists any further delay wouldn’t have been tolerated.
The project will now proceed to construction, after a contract is awarded, with works expected to last for just under three years.
