Project Objectives

The project objectives for the N/M20 Cork to Limerick Project have been developed by the project team. Initially the objectives were established following a review of the problems and opportunities on the transport networks linking Cork and Limerick as well as specific policies and plans for the region. Since then, they have been subject to updating at each phase of project development to best match emerging policies and appraisal guidance. Notably “Transport Appraisal Guidance” was published in 2023 requiring fresh criteria to be used in the ongoing appraisal of projects. The evolution of the specific N/M20 objectives is recorded here.

The overarching project objective (that has remained unchanged) is:

To enable national and regional planning policies, particularly those supporting the National Strategic Outcomes of the National Planning Framework to promote balanced regional development, through enhanced population and economic growth.

This is to be achieved by improving connectivity between the cities of Cork and Limerick, and ultimately Galway, by:

facilitating the safe and efficient movement of people, goods and services on the transport network both now and in the future
reduced land transport journey times
improved journey time reliability

Appraisal of transport scenarios as required by the Transport Appraisal Framework’ (TAF), as published by Department of Transport advises that Multi-Criterial Analysis (MCA) is undertaken based on seven criteria:

Transport User Benefits and Other Economic Impacts
Accessibility Impacts
Social Impacts
Land Use Impacts
Safety Impacts
Climate Change Impacts
Local Environment Impacts

Specific objectives relating to the above criteria have now been developed for use in appraisals contained in the Preliminary Business Case, as set out below. Note, these objectives supersede those used in Technical Note 1: Phase 1 Multi-Criteria Analysis and Phase 2: Options Selection Report.

Transport User Benefits and Other Economic Impacts

To provide opportunities to grow the regional economy and improve economic interaction by creating better transport linkage for both people and freight between Cork and Limerick and in the overall Atlantic Corridor.
To improve journey time reliability between Cork and Limerick.
To accord with the National Planning Framework objective of enhancing regional connectivity between Cork and Limerick by achieving average journey speeds of 90 km/h and a competitive inter-urban journey time.

Accessibility Impacts

To improve access for all, in particular vulnerable groups and those in both rural and deprived areas, to key facilities such as employment, education and healthcare.
To facilitate connectivity with public transport interchanges.
To provide high quality connectivity for people and freight with airports, ports and key industrial areas in the region.

Social Impacts

To facilitate opportunities to improve journey times and reliability for public transport journeys.
To provide new opportunities for active travel between communities.

Land Use Impacts

To support sustainable development through the provision of appropriate access with emphasis on encouraging sustainable mobility.
To reduce traffic levels through communities and enable public realm improvements which support transport decarbonisation by providing safe walking and cycling interventions to be realised.

Safety Impacts

To address road safety issues by reducing the rate and severity of collisions on the road network, in particular the existing N20 between Cork and Limerick.
To support the National Road Safety Strategy through the provision of a safe, forgiving and consistent standard of improved route.
To support the provision of a freight hub for rest breaks between Cork and Limerick and ultimately Galway (Atlantic Corridor).
To ensure new active travel facilities are safe for use for walking and cycling.

Climate Change Impacts

To implement demand management measures to encourage the use of public transport and active travel facilities, and minimise effects on the environment including potential climate change effects.
To embed PAS 2080:2023 within design and decision making so as to minimise whole life greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the impact on climate.
To provide infrastructure which will allow for the progressive electrification of our mobility systems.

Local Environment Impacts

To improve the environment in communities along the corridor through the reduction of through traffic.
To minimise negative impacts on cultural heritage, landscape, air quality, noise levels, water, biodiversity and other natural resources and human health.

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