Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I should not be here today. I am looking for an update on a project, namely the Coonagh-Knockalisheen distributor road, which would effectively take out the cul-de-sac that Moyross currently is. In 2007 the then Government and the Cabinet committee on social inclusion, as part of a regeneration project, produced a report which became known as the Fitzgerald report. One of its key recommendations was to consider improving accessibility into Moyross. The report specifically identified that the Coonagh-Knockalisheen distributor road should be progressed as a matter of urgency. The people of Moyross are still waiting 13 years later. As of this moment Limerick City and County Council has gone through the tender process and is about to award a contract, but the document is on the Minister's desk for approval. I have discussed this with the Minister at length over recent weeks. I feel we have committed to the project as a Government under the national development plan and the Fitzgerald report.

The project stands on its own merits on a number of levels. It is a €58 million project. To date, €17 million of taxpayers' money has been spent on the project - wisely, in my view, but nevertheless a third of the money has been spent. The breakdown is €9.47 million on advance work contracts, €1.4 million on other works and archaeology, €3.7 million on land and property and €2.7 million on planning and design. If one looks from Coonagh Cross over towards Moyross and at the back of Caherdavin, one will see the works. The physical works have already started on the road. Furthermore, €5 million has already been allocated to the project this year which they have not been able to use. This is about improving access. A road from Coonagh to Knockalisheen would stand on its own merits and take Moyross away from being a cul-de-sac for social, economic and accessibility reasons.

Furthermore, there is a rail network running alongside Moyross which would provide the added advantage of opening that up to provide a railway station. All the lands around it have been procured, so a proper park-and-ride facility could be provided. It would also ensure that the bus network could be made more efficient. At present a bus goes into Moyross, into Pineview Gardens, which is a cul-de-sac, meaning it has to turn back. A separate bus goes into Ballynanty. That should be a streamlined service from Coonagh to Knockalisheen, down the Knockalisheen Road and out by Hassett's Cross. Furthermore, cycling and walking facilities could be provided all along the link, which would aid healthy living.

Everyone in Limerick is in favour of this project: Limerick Chamber, the council, civic leaders and, most particularly, the people of Moyross, on the north side of the city. I would like to hear an update on the project. We need to get it fully delivered. It is a stand-alone project. This is about ensuring we fulfil the commitment given to the people of Moyross under the regeneration programme to ensure that Moyross is no longer a cul-de-sac. The road would provide many other socio-economic and accessibility-related advantages to the area. I hope the news today will be that the Minister will now sign off on the proposal to allow the contractors to conclude this stand-alone project, which is both a socio-economic and an accessibility project for the people of Moyross. I met the Moyross Residents Forum with my fellow Oireachtas Members on Monday night. They cannot understand what the delay is here. They have been waiting for this project since 2007. We need to see it delivered now.

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