The long-awaited M20 Cork to Limerick Motorway moved a significant step closer to reality this week with news that €8 million to the project, a design team expected to be in place by September, which means that the motorway plan could go to tender before the end of 2018.
Deputy Seán Sherlock welcomed the news, saying, “We now have a real green light to get this project under way. This part of the project will be about putting together a multi-disciplinary engineering led Consultancy team which will provide the Engineering, Environmental, Economic and Appraisal services required to success-fully deliver the project through the planning and design phases.”
John McDonnell of Mallow Development Partnership said that the group welcomed any progression towards the eventual construction of the M20, but added: “Of crucial importance for Mallow and North Cork is the early construction of the Mallow Relief Road, now projected to be completed by 2023. The removal of major traffic bottlenecks will benefit business and residents alike.
“Also, the road will be of benefit to existing industries such as dairy, engineering and retail groups, already significant employers in the Mallow area, but with the potential to create many more jobs, given the right road infrastructure to complement the first class rail service.”