Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has asked Íarnród Éireann to consider a ‘no-charge hourly service’ between Limerick and Cork.
This was disclosed in an update by TII on the €1.5 billion N20/M20 Limerick to Cork Road and, if implemented, would increase train demand to and from both locations.
The route is currently used by upwards of 20,000 vehicles per day.
Under the new proposals, the width of the road corridor would be reduced from 500 metres to 200 metres and active travel infrastructure to promote cycling and walking is to be increased from 80km to 100km.
Transport Hubs are also recommended to facilitate changes to public transport services, car sharing, active travel, and charging electric vehicles.
“The transport solution is not limited to consideration of a single mode of transport, but is based upon a holistic, multi-modal view to improving connectivity, safety, and economic links between the cities of Cork and Limerick, and ultimately Galway,” a TII spokesperson said.
He added: “The N20/M20 transport solution will significantly enhance safety and journey time reliability for all transport users, improve the health and well-being of the bypassed communities, support regional and local economic growth, and implement transport decarbonisation measures from the Government’s Climate Action Plan.”
Public online webinars will be conducted today (Wednesday) and December 6th, both at 7pm.
Visit www.corklimerick.ie, or contact the Project Office (061 973730) for further information.
The final design of the N20/M20 is not anticipated until late 2024. Seeking Government approval for planning is not likely until the following year.
Better road connectivity between our second and third largest cities was first mooted back in 1998 and is now very much part of the Government’s Project 2040 Plans, with the project actively progressed in recent years by both Limerick City and County and Cork Councils.