Absence of the Limerick Northern Distributor Road (LNDR) from the National Development Plan (NDP) has been caused disappointment.

Construction of the LNDR’s first phase commenced in February following last-minute uncertainty which saw Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan (GP) come under fire from county councillors in Clare and Limerick.

Roadbridge were appointed by Limerick City and County Council for the contract following a competitive tendering process for the project costing around €29 million. A three year timeline is estimated for the first phase.

Overall, the LNDR is expected to cost €58 million and involves the construction of a new distributor road between Coonagh Roundabout on the Ennis Road and the Knockalisheen Road in the Moyross area on the northside of the city. The road is a key element of the Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan and is viewed at improving access from South Clare and East Limerick across all of North Limerick and onto the national road network.

Speaking on Monday, Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr PJ Ryan (IND) said he was “disappointed” that the remainder of the LNDR was not included in the NDP. He felt the LNDR had the potential to become a “show stopper” for the county and future aspirations. “Phase one of the LNDR is already under construction, I believe the rest of this important road will support South Clare, UL and the Clare SDZ will happen in due course”.

Professor Kerstin Mey, President of UL also lamented the omission of the LNDR. “Not only would this key piece of infrastructure facilitate greater connectivity between the campus and the north side of Limerick City, TUS, Shannon Airport, County Clare and the West of Ireland, it is also necessary to ensure UL and its campus continues to function and flourish in the decades ahead”.

Mayor of Limerick City and County, Cllr Daniel Butler (FG) stressed that the LNDR was vital for future development. “The LNDR is crucial for the development of the entire region, so that it can counteract the development imbalance along the eastern seaboard centred around Dublin. As Ireland’s economic recovery continues the city must position itself for investment and growth. Top quality modern infrastructure is an essential requirement for Limerick to maintain its competitive advantage and encourage more investment”.