Construction of strategically important route to begin.
Construction of Phase One of the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Road is to begin following the signing of contracts between Limerick City and County Council and P&D Lydon Plant Hire Limited.
The Coonagh to Knockalisheen Road is part of the Limerick Northern Distributor Road linking Coonagh to Lisnagry, providing significant improvement in connectivity between different areas along the northern fringe of the city.
The scheme, a key element of the regeneration programme of Moyross, will provide a new link road to Moyross, and a new 3km urban style dual carriageway between the R857 at the Coonagh Roundabout and the Knockalisheen Road along the north-west side of the city.
The road, which is funded by the Department of Tourism, Transport and Sport will allow the locality to be promoted for economic development as improved access attracts investment to an area.
Phase 1 (Advanced Works Contract) of the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road scheme will involve the following:
- Construction of approximately 300 metres of urban dual carriageway from Coonagh Roundabout to the rear of Coonagh Cross Shopping Centre, including new footways, cycleways and verges
- Embankment construction works for a further 650 metres of future dual carriageway routing from the rear of Coonagh Cross SC towards the Old Cratloe Road
- Embankment construction on soft ground requiring excavation of peat, the installation of specialist prefabricated vertical drains and surcharging
- Provision of pedestrian/ cyclist crossing facilities at Coonagh Roundabout and on the Ennis Road
- Provision of upgraded route lighting, traffic signs and road marking
- Diversion of various utilities including the provision of a foul drainage network on the Ennis Road inbound from Coonagh Roundabout
- Fencing of the entire scheme
The works totalling around €7 million are scheduled to take 18 months.
Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon said: “I’m delighted that the contracts are being signed for Phase 1 of the Coonagh to Knockalisheen Road. A lot of preparatory work has taken place to get the area ready for construction work. It’s another example of Limerick putting the vital infrastructure in place to meet the growing needs of our citizens as well as an important marker for businesses looking to invest.”
Pat Daly, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Economic Development with Limerick City and County Council said: “The works will provide another piece of Limerick vital infrastructure jigsaw. It will enable improved and essential connectivity to areas of the northside of the city, which will allow investments to be made in local communities.”
“The Coonagh to Knockalisheen Road is a key factor in our emerging competitiveness when it comes to attracting investment.”
Carmel Kirby is Director of Social Development with the local authority and is in charge of the implementation of the Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan. She added: “Since the beginning of the regeneration plan for Limerick, a road between Coonagh and Knockalisheen and onwards to Lisnagry was identified as crucial in unlocking the potential for the northside of the city.”
“I’m delighted that contracts have been signed and works will commence on Phase one of the project. This is of vital importance for the community of Moyross, as it opens up the area for future development.”
Declan Lydon, Maganging Director of P & D Lydon Plant Hire Limited, who won the contract said: “P&D Lydon are delighted to be awarded the construction of this very exciting and important project for Limerick. We hope to commence works on the ground in August.”