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Minister of Transport approves the completion of the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road

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3 years ago

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 Coonagh to Knockalisheen Road will proceed with the addition of sustainable transport measures in the nearby area.

Minister of Transport approves the completion of the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road

By I Love Limerick Correspondent Peter Cooney

Minister of Transport Eamon Ryan

Minister of Transport Eamon Ryan


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The Minister of Transport Eamon Ryan confirms that the €58 million Coonagh to Knockalisheen Road project will proceed with the addition of sustainable transport measures in the nearby area.

There has been controversy in the last few weeks over the delay in the progression of this project, with outrage from the community in Moyross from Government TDs like Cathal Crowe and Willie O’Dea of Fianna Fáil as it appeared part of the project would be stopped.

However, Minister of Transport Eamon Ryan has now confirmed that the project will be completed. Speaking to Joe Nash on Live 95 radio’s Limerick Today and after his discussion amongst his colleagues in the Dáil, the people in the community, the local authority and the city management he confirmed, “The road project is going to go ahead.”

“It will go ahead from Coonagh to the Knockalisheen junction and see an upgrade of Moyross Avenue and the Knockalisheen road at the same time. So that’s the entire project.”

Ryan told Live 95 that he has spoken to Limerick City management yesterday and, “what we’re looking to do is also put in really good bus services, put in a bus lane each route on the new roads section. Also, critically at the same time as we build the road improve pedestrian accessibility. We do not want to delay this project”.

Limerick Public Partnership welcomed this announcement by the government and said that this road link is a key part of the Regeneration plan to improve social, physical, and economic outcomes for this community. Moyross is also the largest cul de sac in the state with communities isolated from full access to education, health, and job opportunities. While this road is not a solution to all inequalities the community faces, it will play a very important part in opening up the area and breaking down barriers for the community.

While Limerick PPN shares a dedication to combating climate breakdown and the urgent need to reduce transport emissions, it recognises that this must not be at the expense of our most disadvantaged communities. Social justice and a just transition are at the core of any effective climate campaign or action. This demands that the burdens of fixing our environment are not piled on vulnerable or disadvantaged communities.

Director of Housing Development with Limerick City and County Council Aoife Duke said, “As director responsible for the delivery of the regeneration programme, this announcement is hugely important for the people of Moyross. The Coonagh to Knockalisheen Road has always been one of the cornerstone projects of the whole programme, opening up the Moyross estate and the north side of Limerick city to a myriad of possibilities.”

Director of Capital Investment with Limerick City and County Council Seamus Hanrahan, whose department manages the project said: “The contractor is selected and ready to commence work on this key project for Limerick city. The overall investment of €58 million will impact positively on the local economy during and after construction. Construction is due to commence in March subject to Covid Level restrictions.”

Mayor Michael Collins said, “The construction of the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Road was never just about a road. It was about helping to provide better futures and greater opportunities for the people of Moyross and other communities on the north side of Limerick. Road infrastructure is only one crucial aspect of the transport infrastructure of Limerick and we must all now work together to ensure that Limerick people enjoy a sustainable and comprehensive transport system.”

Limerick Chamber virtual

Limerick Chamber chief executive Dee Ryan.

Limerick Chamber welcomed the announcement. Chamber CEO Dee Ryan said: “In addition to the announcement of the completion of this project, we particularly welcome the measures to promote active transport with enhanced pedestrian and cyclist access. 

 

“Progress of the Coonagh to Knockalisheen scheme will play a vital role in achieving our shared vision of a thriving Limerick city with opportunities for all sections of our community.

 

“Minister Ryan and regional elected representatives listened and heard the concerns expressed by multiple Limerick stakeholders including the Chamber and we are appreciative of the engagement that has taken place.

 

“The Chamber would also like to acknowledge the important interest that Minister Ryan has taken in the development of Limerick city,  particularly in relation to the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, a revised draft of which is due for a second public consultation shortly.  This second draft of the LSMATS follows approaches by local stakeholders to Green party representatives and the Minster expressing disappointment with the first draft presented by the National Transport Authority.

 

“Limerick Chamber is committed to working with the Minister and all regional elected representatives and stakeholders to advance our shared goal of achieving a thriving Limerick city and county, placing economic growth, environmental and  social progress at the heart of decision making for Limerick.”

 

For more information on this go HERE 

For more stories on the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Road go HERE 

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