The proposed M20 Limerick to Cork motorway is certain to be included in the Government’s ten-year capital plan later this month with Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe describing the €1 billion project as “a top priority” for the Government.
The 96km stretch of motorway has long been demanded from business and communities in both cities.
In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Mr Donohoe said that priority will be “reflected” in the capital plan, which is due for publication later this month.
“The Taoiseach, in the aftermath of the budget, made it clear that building and completing the M20 is a priority for this Government and that will be reflected in the capital plan. This plan will be very ambitious,” he said.
When he was transport minister, Mr Donohoe said the M20 motorway was too expensive to commit to in one go, but it is clear the much awaited link-up between Ireland’s second and third biggest cities will now proceed.
He said the benefit of such long-term planning is that the cost of such major projects can be spread out.
“If we begin to talk of these ambitions over the space of a decade it gives you the space then to move forward with large-scale projects which are not affordable in the timescale of a single budget.
“We are going to do that in the capital plan,” he said.
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