A report commissioned by the Cork and Limerick Chambers of Commerce has concluded that no other infrastructure project has the potential to impact as positively on the country as the M20 motorway has.
The chambers say the need for a motorway between the two cities can no longer be ignored or postponed.
The report by Indecon/Red C found that a motorway between the two cities would create an economic corridor providing a balance to development in Dublin.
It would also underpin competitiveness of the southwest and midwest regions, as well as increasing the labour force within a 45-minute commute by 23%.
The report also found that current traffic levels along the current route, the N20, are over 120% of capacity.
Plans for the M20 were shelved by the Government in 2010 due to budgetary constraints.
It was a major issue locally during the 2016 General Election.
The new research also found the M20 would prevent approximately 118 accidents every year, cut travelling time between Blarney and Patrickswell by 16 minutes, and reduce stress and improve the quality of life for commuters.
