Details of the active travel strategy, junction strategy with mobility hubs, public transport opportunities and refinement of the study area for the N/M20 Cork to Limerick project have been published today (February 21st 2023).
The N/M20 Preferred Transport Solution is based upon a holistic, multi modal view to improving connectivity, safety, and economic links between the cities of Cork and Limerick, and ultimately Galway. Today’s announcement follows consideration of extensive public feedback and of evolving climate, environmental and transport policy.
The N/M20 project, identified as a priority investment in the Government’s National Development Plan 2021-2030, will deliver 80km of transformative active travel infrastructure for walking and cycling, enhancing the health and wellbeing of our communities and making them more accessible and attractive for everyone. The active travel infrastructure will integrate with existing and planned active travel and greenway networks in Cork and Limerick.
The junction strategy will provide connectivity with the communities of Blarney, Rathduff, Mourneabbey, Mallow, Buttevant, Charleville, Bruree, and Croom and connecting with the national road network at Attyflin near Patrickswell. The junctions will be enhanced through the provision of mobility hubs, with secure parking, EV charging, effective active travel and public transport linkages to nearby communities, offering greater travel choice and modal change opportunities.
The project will have a major impact on the attractiveness of public transport, achieving intercity journey time savings of up to 30 minutes for express bus services between Cork and Limerick and improving journey times and reliability for local bus services along the N20 corridor. Additionally, the project team recommended the development of a “no change” additional hourly rail service between the two cities, via Limerick Junction, reducing intercity rail journey times by over 20 minutes between Cork and Limerick.
Following extensive environmental surveys, design development and public consultation, the study area has been refined with the alternative grey area at Ballyhea removed from the study area, and an alternative grey area at Rathduff included in the study area for consideration of an alternative option.
Limerick City and County Council in partnership with Cork County Council, Cork City Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Department of Transport are progressing Phase 3 Design and Environmental Evaluation. Further information available at www.corklimerick.ie. The project team continues to welcome feedback from property owners, communities, businesses and other stakeholders. The project team will continue to progress the design and environmental evaluation of the project with further updates scheduled in 2023.
