On the back of approval by An Bord Pleanála of the €500 million 35km Foynes to Limerick Road (incorporating a bypass of Adare), Limerick City and County Council – which is responsible for this major infrastructure project – is to commence within weeks an engagement with those directly affected by the announcement.
In a statement, the local authority’s Director of Transportation and Mobility Brian Kennedy stated: “Limerick City and County Council is very conscious that app-roximately 200 land-holdings (including nine dwelling houses and approximately 105 farms) are impacted by the proposed development. We will continue to engage with all impacted land-holders and householders over the next few weeks and throughout the duration of the project.”
Such negotiations are likely to be carried out over several months, while the local authority also seeks a contractor who it’s anticipated would need to commence works in late 2023, or early the following year for what is believed to be a two-year venture, with the ultimate goal of having the job completed well in advance of Adare’s staging of the prestigious Ryder Cup golf tournament in 2027.
“It is incumbent that everything possible is done to ensure the Adare Bypass is in place by 2027,” Mayor of Limerick Francis Foley stressed.
He added: “The announcement is important in the development of Limerick and in particular West Limerick. The new road will help connect the Port of Foynes directly to the national motorway network, making it easier for goods to be delivered. It will also allow for a bypass of Adare, addressing the bottlenecks in the area, meaning that the village can be developed even more as a tourist destination.”
Said Chief Executive of Limerick City and County Council Dr. Pat Daly: “The proposed road will be very significant for the strategic development and expansion of Shannon Foynes Port, for West Limerick and the Mid-West Region in general.
The Council will continue to work in partnership with the Department of Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to expedite the delivery of this significant infrastructural project.” (See inside for more).