Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising the matter. The proposed N20 or M20 Cork to Limerick project, consists of a replacement of 80 km of the existing roadway. This project would bypass towns such as Mallow and Charleville. It would also improve the quality of the road network, address safety issues along the existing N20 and allow for improved intercity bus services through increased capacity and more reliable journey times. It would deliver 80 km of active travel infrastructure for communities along the route, promoting walking and cycling.

Just over €4 million was allocated to this project this year and the design team is currently engaged in the design phase of the project. This includes selecting the type of road in addition to the preparation of the preliminary business case as required under the infrastructure guidelines. A project update was published on 27 November 2023, with a refined route corridor reduced from 500 m to 200 m wide. A further project update was provided for the elected representatives in the local authorities on 24 June last. Online presentations, which are open to the public, are now being held, with the next to take place on 10 July.

I can confirm that the project team, in considering various options regarding the delivery of this project, is currently recommending that the scheme should be tolled and progressed as a motorway. However, as the scheme is still progressing through a design and appraisal process, no final decision has been taken. The final scheme and business case will be subject to the Government’s approval at gate 1 in compliance with the infrastructure guidelines. Further statutory approvals and formal processes would then be required to make a tolling scheme.

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