Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has confirmed that the Coonagh Knockalisheen road project in Limerick, which will open up the Moyross estate and provide connectivity to the rest of the northside of the city, will go ahead in its entirety, as well as a series of other initiatives to improve transport access to the estate.
The road has been the subject of controversy in recent weeks after Mr Ryan had failed to sign off on the final local part of the project, and told community groups in January he wanted to change the plan to include a light rail project.
The minister confirmed this morning on local radio that following further consultation with local TDs, party leaders, and with Limerick Council executives, the road will proceed without delay, as well as improving bus access and pedestrian walkways and cycleways to the Moyross estate
He also wants to provide better connectivity from the estate to all three third level colleges including Mary Immaculate college, UL and LIT.
He said all of the initiatives will proceed as part of the road project to be built in tandem with the construction work to complete the road, which is the last section of a major €58 million project.
Limerick City TD Willie O'Dea has welcomed the decision, saying on Twitter that it shows the "great community spirit" in Moyross.
I am delighted that Min Ryan has given the go ahead for the completion of the Coonagh to Knockalisheen road in its entirety. The campaign to get the road built showed what great community spirit exists in Moyross. I want to congratulate everybody who played their part 1/3
— Willie O'Dea (@willieodeaLIVE) February 10, 2021
Chair of the Oireachtas Transport Committee Kieran O'Donnell, who is a TD for Limerick city, said he was "glad that common sense has prevailed here and it means we can get JCBs on site as quickly as possible now that the awarding of the road construction contract is signed off by Minister Ryan".
"It is a hugely positive day for the people of Limerick city overall," Mr O’Donnell concluded.
Meanwhile, Paddy Flannery, Director of the Moyross Community Centre, said the announcement is excellent news for the community.
He said they are delighted that the minister has changed his mind on the project, and they received cross party and cross community support for their campaign to secure its construction.
Mr Flannery said the road project had been left on the minister's desk without being signed off on since last October, and has only now been confirmed once their campaign about the importance of the project gathered momentum.
He said they now look forward to working with all the parties involved to complete the project and build a strong community in Moyross for the future.
Local school principal Tiernan O'Neill, who had also campaigned to get the project completed, said this road was not just a physical pathway but a gateway to education employment and opportunity.
Tony Lynch, who was the first resident in Moyross 47 years ago and who is chairperson of the Moyross Community Forum, said it is a red letter day for Moyross.
He said it will open it up for investment, make it a vibrant part of the city of Limerick and not just a troubled cul de sac on its outskirts.
Ryan O'Halloran, who runs a steel mechanics company in the area, one of the few employers locally, said it is important now that any new developments will prioritise the needs of the young men and women who are far removed from the jobs market, and end the "employment blackspot label" attributed to the area for so long.
