A €31MILLION contract to construct a dual carriageway and bring investment and job opportunities to the “cul de sac” Moyross estate was signed off by Limerick City and County Council after the development had previously stalled.
The Coonagh Knockalisheen Distributor Road Scheme, being undertaken by Wills Brothers Ltd, will be “transformative” for Moyross, the Council stated.
The area was previously synonymous with a criminal gang who engaged in a 10-year drug feud that resulted in almost 20 murders between the late 1990s and mid 2000s.
Up to this point, the disadvantaged estate had just one road in and out.
Now, the new road opening up the estate for the first time, “will unlock significant economic and social opportunities for Moyross and the wider area”, the Council said.
The signing of the contract took place at Moyross Community Centre on Wednesday January 15, showcasing planned works to include the construction of a 2.1km new urban dual carriageway, major improvements to existing roads, and the development of pedestrian and cyclist facilities.
The project also involves significant associated works such as the diversion of live services, new sewer systems, and landscaping.
The Council, led by Limerick Mayor John Moran, said the project will be delivered in phases, with a dual carriageway between Coonagh and Knockalisheen scheduled to open after the first 12 months and an all-in final project completion date in 24 months.
Mayor Moran, a former secretary general at the Department of Finance, said “this new road is a vital step forward for the future of Moyross, as I have previously stated, no community in Limerick should live on a cul-de-sac”.
“The Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road Scheme will provide the necessary infrastructure to connect Moyross with the rest of Limerick City and will greatly enhance the quality of life for our residents — it is a proud moment for me to sign this long-overdue contract.”
Dr Pat Daly, director general of the Council, said the broader impact of the project was “crucial for improving connectivity and supporting future economic development”.
Dr Daly said the infrastructure injection would also “facilitate greater access to essential services, employment, and educational facilities, making a significant difference in the lives of the people in Moyross and surrounding areas”.
The project is a key part of the Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan and resumes after construction was previously halted following the former contractor, Roadbridge, entering receivership.
