Expectations high for inclusion of M20 in November Capital Programme

Expectations are rising that the Cork Limerick M20 Motorway will be included in the capital programme, due to be announced in November, with several ‘straws in the wind’ which would lead one to believe that an announcement is imminent.
An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar stated over the weekend that the M20, in addition to other projects, was a priority for his government. Also, James Kieran of Chambers Ireland addressed last week’s AGM of Cork Regional Chambers in Charleville where he was asked about the status of the M20 project, and he replied that it was ‘highly probable’ that the go-ahead was forthcoming.
John Donegan, outgoing Chairman of Cork Regional Chambers, complimented the work done by Cork and Limerick Chambers in com-missioning ‘Gearing Up For M20’, a report by Indecon International Economic Consultants which independently assessed the socio-economic benefits of the completion of the M20 Cork to Limerick motorway scheme. Mr Donegan welcomed the prospect of the M20 getting the green light and said that businesses in Charleville and the wider community should work to maximise the benefits and opportunities presented by the construction of the motorway. He said that Charleville was an ideal location for many new businesses, as it is in the heart of Munster with good access to three international airports and three ports. “Charleville was one of the first towns in Ireland to have the Metropolitan Area High Speed Broadband Network which provides super high speed broadband to businesses within the town,” he said. “These and other factors make Charleville an ideal location for people to live and raise a family, as the M20, when completed, will deliver social and community benefits, including reduced stress and improved quality of life for commuters, along with enhancing employment opportunities for residents and the surrounding areas.”
Charleville Chamber will host a breakfast morning briefing on the M20- Economic Corridor in November in the Charleville Park Hotel. Key speakers will include Minister for Agriculture, Food and Marine Michael Creed, Mr W. H. Batt, Indecon Economic Consultants, Ms Verona Murphy, President of the Irish Road Haulage Association, and Mr David Fitzsimons, CEO, Retail Excellence Ireland. Maireád Lavery, Editor of Irish Country Living will be M.C. for the event. Tickets from Charleville Park Hotel 063-33700, and Charleville E Centre 063-33133.