N-M20 Cork-to-Limerick

 

Limerick City and County Council, in partnership with Cork County Council, Cork City Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and the Department of Transport, are advancing the N/M20 Cork to Limerick project—a key priority in the Government’s National Development Plan 2021-2030.

Following public consultation in 2020/2021 a preferred transport solution has been identified, incorporating active travel infrastructure, improved public transport, new and safer road infrastructure, and environmental integration along the N20 corridor.

Our Transport Solution

New and Improved Infrastructure

The project will deliver 80 km of new and improved dual carriageway between Cork City and Patrickswell, bypassing Mallow, Buttevant, and Charleville while also reusing 30%-40% of the existing N20 road asset.

Road design elements, including road type and junction strategy, will be developed within the 500m-wide preferred option. The route broadly follows the previous 2010 M20 scheme, incorporating both online and offline sections as follows:

  • Commences from the existing N20 dual carriageway between Cork City and Blarney.
  • Continues online reusing the existing N20 until Mourneabbey.
  • The option then heads offline bypassing to the east of Mallow, New Twopothouse and Buttevant.
  • The option goes online reusing the existing N20 north of Buttevant, then heads offline bypassing to the west of Ballyhea, Charleville and Banoge.
  • The option then goes online reusing the existing N20 Croom Bypass and then ties into the existing M20 Motorway at Attyflin near Patrickswell. 

Additionally, 80 km of active travel infrastructure will connect communities along the corridor, enhancing mobility for pedestrians and cyclists. This infrastructure will connect the communities of Cork, Blarney, Grenagh, Rathduff, Mallow, New Twopothouse, Buttevant, Charleville, Bruree, Banoge, Croom, Patrickswell and Limerick.

N-M20 Cork to Limerick Preferred Option

Safety

The N20 has a fatal collision rate four times the national average, with at least 62 deaths in the past 25 years.

The project’s divided dual carriageway aims to prevent 200 fatal/serious collisions over 30 years. Segregated walkways and cycleways will further enhance safety and encourage active travel.

Public Transport

Intercity express bus services will see up to 30-minute journey time savings, improving reliability for local bus services.

An additional hourly rail service between Cork and Limerick via Limerick Junction is recommended, reducing journey times by over 20 minutes. Mobility Hubs, including integration with Mallow and Charleville rail stations and Park & Ride sites in Blarney and Raheen, will enhance connectivity.

Environmental Integration

The Motorway Operations Control Centre

  • Bypasses of Mallow, New Twopothouse, Buttevant, Charleville and Banoge will remove strategic traffic and heavy goods vehicles from these communities, significantly improving air quality, reducing noise levels, and further supporting public realm improvements, sustainable transport and vibrant communities.
  • The National Development Plan (NDP) has been designed to ensure that it supports the Government’s climate ambitions. As a key project of the NDP, climate change considerations have been fully incorporated in the N/M20 assessment process to date. 

Economic Corridor

The lack of high-quality connectivity between the regions within the Atlantic Economic Corridor (AEC) has been a major impediment to developing the regional economy as a counterbalance to Dublin and the East coast. The N/M20 project is a critical missing link from the Atlantic Economic Corridor, improving regional connectivity and accessibility along the western seaboard.

Public Consultation

The preferred transport solution has been identified following detailed appraisal of a large number of different options and alternatives over the last three years. This process has included significant consultation with the public, transport providers, government agencies and other key stakeholders. This consultation process will continue through the next phases.

What happens next?

Following selection of the Preferred Option, Phase 3 will commence subject to approvals. This is programmed to take two years with the key deliverables being the Design Report, the Environmental Impact Assessment Report, the Statutory Process Documentation and the Preliminary Business Case. Subject to government approval, the formal planning submission is then made to An Bord Pleanála in Phase 4. 

In order to inform the design process, the N/M20 Project Team will undertake a range of engineering and environmental surveys. The design team will be in contact with land and property owners regarding these surveys. As the design reaches a level of maturity where informed discussions can take place, the N/M20 Project Team will consult directly with potentially impacted land and property owners on the developing design.