Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 February 2024
18. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Transport if he will provide an update on the progression of phase 1 of the Limerick northern distributor road; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4244/24]
View answerI understand when you refer to Phase 1 of the Limerick Northern Distributor Road you are speaking about the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road project. For clarity, the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road was submitted and approved by An Bord Pleanála as a stand alone scheme; however, I am aware that the scheme is sometimes referred to locally as Phase 1 of the Limerick Northern Distributor Road.
From the outset, it is important to emphasise that the improvement and maintenance of regional and local roads is the statutory responsibility of each local authority, in accordance with the provisions of Section 13 of the Roads Act 1993.
As such, Limerick City and County Council is the contracting authority for the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road project. As the Deputy is aware, progress on this road project was interrupted in 2022. Since then, works on the Ballygrennan Bridge, which is over the Galway-Ennis railway line, have substantially be completed and the Council has advised me that new contract documents have been prepared for construction of the remainder of the project.
The tender process is currently underway. Subject to a successful outcome to that procurement process and funding provision, it is expected the main construction for the remainder of the roads project will commence this year. This should allow the local community to have access to improved transport as well as better local access via the Distributor Road project.
Lastly to reiterate, the planning and implementation of the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road project is the responsibility of Limerick City and County Council.
