AFTER WILLY O DEA THREATENED TO VOTE AGAINST THE GREENS ...
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has confirmed that the Coonagh Knockalisheen road project in Limerick, which will open up the Moyross estate and provide connectivity to the rest of the northside of the city, will go ahead in its entirety, as well as a series of other initiatives to improve transport access to the estate.
The road has been the subject of controversy in recent weeks after Mr Ryan had failed to sign off on the final local part of the project, and told community groups in January he wanted to change the plan to include a light rail project.
The Minister has confirmed this morning on local radio that following further consultation with local TDs, party leaders, and with Limerick Council executives the road will now proceed without delay, as well as improving bus access and pedestrian walkways and cycleways to the Moyross estate
He also wants to provide better connectivity from the estate to all three third level colleges including Mary Immaculate college, UL and LIT.
He said all of the initiatives will now proceed as part of the road project to be built in tandem with the construction work to complete the road, which is the last section of a major €58 million project.
Limerick City TD Willie O'Dea has welcomed the decision saying on Twitter that it shows the "great community spirit" in Moyross.
I am delighted that Min Ryan has given the go ahead for the completion of the Coonagh to Knockalisheen road in its entirety. The campaign to get the road built showed what great community spirit exists in Moyross. I want to congratulate everybody who played their part 1/3
— Willie O'Dea (@willieodeaLIVE) February 10, 2021
Chair of the Oireachtas Transport Committee Kieran O'Donnell, who is a TD for Limerick City, said he was "glad that common sense has prevailed here and it means we can get JCBs on site as quickly as possible now that the awarding of the road construction contract is signed off by Minister Ryan"..
"It is a hugely positive day for the people of Limerick City overall," Mr O’Donnell concluded.
Meanwhile, Paddy Flannery, Director of the Moyross Community Centre, said the announcement is excellent news for the community.
He said they are delighted that the Minister has changed his mind on the project, and that they received cross party and cross community support for their campaign to secure its construction.
Mr Flannery said the road project had been left on the Ministers desk without being signed off on since last October, and has only now been confirmed once their campaign about the importance of the project gathered momentum.
He said they now look forward to working with all the parties involved to complete the project and build a strong community in Moyross for the future.
Local school principal Tiernan O'Neill, who had also campaigned to get the project completed, said this road was not just a physical pathway but a gateway to education employment and opportunity.
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