Budget 2025: No mention of Cork to Limerick motorway

A Cork TD has raised concerns after there was no mention of the progression of the Cork to Limerick motorway in yesterday’s Budget 2025 announcement.

Labour Party TD for East Cork Seán Sherlock had told The Echo ahead of the budget announcement that securing the funding required to deliver infrastructure projects was vital for East Cork.

Mr Sherlock had called for funding to be put in place for infrastructure projects such as the M20 Cork to Limerick, the Mallow Relief Road, and the N25 upgrades between Cork and Waterford.

Speaking to The Echo following the budget announcement, Mr Sherlock said: “It’s very concerning that there was no language in the budget speeches to suggest the Cork-Limerick motorway or the Mallow Relief Road will progress further.

“That is a worry and we need to see the full allocations now for projects in 2025 as a matter of urgency to ensure these projects remain alive.”

Ambition

Meanwhile, Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy welcomed supports for infrastructure announced in Budget 2025, but said more ambition is needed for urban areas.

Mr Healy welcomed the commitment made by the Government to ringfence funding for infrastructure investment, with a total of €3bn allocated across investment in water services, the electricity grid, and housing development through the Land Development Agency.

During his address in the Dáil yesterday, Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe also said that the Government had agreed that funds arising from the recent decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union regarding Apple, with a value of €14.1bn, should be invested to expand infrastructure.

Mr Healy said that early indications that the €14bn tax windfall will be directed towards the four key infrastructure pillars of transport, housing, electricity, and water are “positive, as we do need to address infrastructure challenges to ensure Ireland remains competitive”.