The planning application for a new Foynes to Limerick Road, including a bypass of Adare, has been lodged with An Bord Pleanála. The proposed road development will cost in the region of €400 - €450 million and is 35km in length connecting the Core Port of Foynes to the national motorway network, on the outskirts of Limerick City.
The final stage in the preparation of the planning application has been completed with Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council Dr Pat Daly signing the various schemes.
The road is comprised of the construction of around 15.6km of dual carriageway from Foynes to Rathkeale, a 1.9km single carriageway road between Ballyclogh and Askeaton along with the construction of 17.5km of motorway connecting Rathkeale to the existing motorway network at Attyflin (Junction 5 on N-M20/N21).
Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Michael Sheahan said: “I welcome the lodging of the planning application to An Bord Pleanála. A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes in getting to this stage. This development will undoubtedly be a boost for the West Limerick region.”
Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council Dr Pat Daly said: “The lodging of the application is an important step for the strategic development of Shannon Foynes Port, for West Limerick and the Mid-West Region overall. It is important that there is a good quality road network to help our competitiveness in attracting inward investment and the ongoing development of the tourism sector and its benefits for the region.”
The lodging of the application sees the publication of the Motorway Scheme, Protected Road Scheme, Service Area Scheme, Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Natura Impact Statement.
These documents will be available for inspection at the following locations:
- Limerick City and County Council Offices in Corporate Headquarters, Merchant’s Quay; Dooradoyle and Rathkeale
- Mid West National Road Design Office, Lissanalta House, Dooradoyle, Limerick
- Adare, Askeaton, Foynes and Rathkeale Libraries
- An Bord Pleanála, Dublin
The documentation will also be available to purchase from the Mid West National Road Design Office, or downloaded free of charge from the project website foyneslimerick.ie.
Brian Kennedy, Director of Physical Development with Limerick City and County Council said: “The project will remove around 70 to 80 percent of the daily traffic currently passing through Adare (c17,000 vehicles/day). The proposed road is vital to improve safety and remove traffic delays with a new Heavy Goods Service Area near Foynes.”
“Limerick City and County Council is very conscious that approximately 200 landholdings are impacted by the proposed road which also includes the acquisition of nine dwelling houses. We will continue discussions with all impacted landholders and householders and if the project is approved by An Bord Pleanála will conclude negotiations as soon as possible.”
Submissions can be made directly to An Bord Pleanála before 5.30pm on Friday 14 February 2020.
Public notices are also being installed along the route of the project to advise people in relation to the proposed extinguishment of rights of way and other crossing points.
Full details are available on the project website foyneslimerick.ie.