Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien today marked the official opening of the newly constructed Moyross Link Road and the new dual carriageway connecting Cratloe Road Roundabout to Knockalisheen Road Roundabout. This transformative infrastructure project is set to unlock significant investment and opportunity across Limerick’s northside.
The €84 million project, funded by the Department of Transport, is being led by Limerick City and County Council in partnership with Clare County Council.
Wills Bros Ltd were awarded the contract to complete the scheme in late 2024 after work had previously stalled following the receivership of the previous contractor.
The scheme is part of the wider Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road project, and provides a vital new transport corridor that improves connectivity, enhances road safety, and, critically, opens up substantial lands for housing, healthcare, and socio-economic development.
The new route, which partially opened to traffic on 9th March, represents a key milestone in a scheme that will deliver a 2.1km of urban dual carriageway along with upgraded infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users.
Unlocking Strategic Development
The Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road Scheme is a key part of the Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan. The opening of the road is already enabling the progression of a number of major developments, most notably a €40 million healthcare investment by UPMC on lands at Ballygrennan, directly served by the new route. Construction is well underway on a new private medical facility, forming part of a wider medical campus that will deliver hundreds of jobs and provide expanded healthcare capacity for the region.
The new infrastructure has also unlocked the potential for substantial residential development on Limerick’s northside, with hundreds of new homes being delivered alongside community and recreational amenities.
A Connected Future for Moyross
Historically, parts of Moyross were effectively a cul-de-sac in transport terms. The new link road provides a second strategic access point, integrating the area more fully into the Limerick-Shannon Metropolitan transport network and improving access to employment, education, and services.
The project also complements planned future infrastructure, including a proposed new rail station for Moyross, further enhancing connectivity and supporting sustainable transport options.
Speaking at the official opening, Minister O'Brien said:
“This €84 million project is a clear example of how targeted infrastructure investment can act as a catalyst for wider regional development. By improving access and connectivity, we are enabling new housing, supporting major healthcare investment, and helping to create sustainable communities here on Limerick’s northside.”
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran said this is a significant step in improving connectivity on Limerick’s northside:
“For decades, communities in Moyross and across the broader northside were constrained by limited access, stifling this part of city and presenting barriers to be overcome by the communities living there. This road is the first step in changing that completely and that is why I have been so vocal about pushing for the completion of this scheme. It’s fantastic to see the progress being made on UPMC’s new medical campus which would not have been possible without the road. Separately, I am continuing to pull all the levers available to me to successfully deliver on other projects including the new rail station to further boost connectivity for this area. But for today, let’s celebrate this road which opens the door to new homes and new services and is central to the continued regeneration of Limerick’s northside.”
Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery added:
“We saw how much this infrastructure means to the people of Moyross by the overwhelmingly positive reaction to the partial opening of the road last month. This road scheme is strengthening local communities while supporting the development of neighbourhoods and job creation opportunities. It has opened up access to services locally and is creating the conditions for Moyross and Limerick’s Northside to thrive economically and socially.”
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council,Cllr Paul Murphy is anticipating regional benefits, saying:,
“It is a catalyst for wider development in Limerick which will in turn benefit the region. By unlocking key sites for new housing and services, it directly supports major investment which will bring jobs and expanded healthcare capacity for the wider Mid West.”
Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly said:
“By creating a modern, accessible transport link, this project supports the development of sustainable neighbourhoods where people can live, work, and access services locally. It strengthens connections between communities while creating the conditions for long-term economic and social development.”
Chief Executive of Clare County Council, Gordon Daly said:
“This is a welcome investment in new infrastructure for the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area which will further strengthen connectivity between South East Clare and Limerick City.”
Continuing Investment
The opening of the route has already facilitated the next phase of works on the scheme, including the demolition and reconstruction of Ballynanty Rail Bridge, which will incorporate new pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and further improve connectivity in the area.
The Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road Scheme is being delivered on a phased basis, with further works ongoing.