98. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the progress to date regarding the N20-M20 Limerick to Cork motorway project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51598/25]

Sentiment score: 0.15

Will the Minister give an update on the progress of the M20 Limerick to Cork motorway project and make a statement on the matter?

Sentiment score: 0.44

The big challenge we have is the growth in businesses and in the number of people having to travel to work in Limerick, Mallow or Cork and the resulting huge volume of traffic on this road. The road was fine 50 years ago, in particular from Cork to Mallow and Mallow to the Limerick boundary, but it is now past its sell-by date. It is important that the project be expedited. For instance, I travel to Mallow to get a 6.05 a.m. train to Dublin on a Tuesday morning and at 5.30 a.m., the volume of traffic against me is one long line from Blarney to Mallow. I am therefore asking for more definitive dates for when we will go through the planning process. The other issue is that a lot of land is totally locked up now-----

Sentiment score: 0.16

-----because there is still indecision about the final route.

Sentiment score: -0.20

The Ryder Cup will take place in two years' time and work has already started on the roads there. It will have an effect on the area because a huge number of tourists will come to the country during that period. For them to see the road infrastructure without any evidence that we are trying to improve it will not be helpful. This issue needs to be prioritised because of the number of people who will travel to Ireland and to that region during that period.

Sentiment score: 0.15