Swift delivery of Cork-Limerick motorway ‘vital’ to save lives, says TD

A preliminary business case for the N20-M20 Cork-Limerick motorway is set to be submitted to Government early next year, the Dáil has heard.

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West John Paul O’Shea asked the Tánaiste for an update on the progress of the N20-M20 project in the Dáil on Thursday, saying that its swift delivery was of critical importance to Munster.

“The case for immediate action on the N20-M20 project could not be clearer.

“The existing route is a relic of a bygone era, and is wholly inadequate for the demands of a modern economy.

“Every day that passes without progress on this motorway is another day that the commuters and families who pass through Mallow, Newtwopothouse, Buttevant, Ballyhea, and Charleville endure the nightmare of heavy traffic thundering through their town and village centres.”

Mr O’Shea added: “Lives are put at risk on a route that has well-documented safety deficiencies.

“The national development plan clearly identifies that the N20-M20 project is an essential piece of infrastructure.

“I hope that when the review of the national development plan is published, it will set out in black and white that we should proceed without any further delay on this vital project.”

Balancing

Tánaiste Simon Harris thanked him for raising the issue, explaining that the proposed project aims to enhance regional accessibility, to improve the network, to connect Cork and Limerick, and to improve connections to West Cork and Kerry, as well as balancing regional growth and development.

It will provide “much better connectivity between Ireland’s second and third largest cities”, as well as other towns along the route including Buttevant, Croom, Charleville, Mallow, and Blarney, Mr Harris added.

He said: “As the deputy said, it will address safety deficiencies on the existing route. It will also deliver active travel infrastructure along the corridor.”

He added: “I am very supportive of this project, as I know the deputy is. My understanding is that the scheme’s preliminary business case is expected to be submitted to the Department of Transport in early 2026.

“I believe the department allocated €4.5m to Limerick City and County Council to progress the scheme during 2025. We will keep a close eye on this. The national development plan will provide an opportunity to accelerate funding for crucial infrastructure projects like this one.”