The partially completed dual carriageway, viewed northward from Coonagh Cross Roundabout towards Cratloe Road, as of March 2022. Image courtesy of Diarmuid Greene.
Summary
The Coonagh to Knockalisheen Distributor Road Scheme is located on the northwestern outskirts of Limerick City and will link the Coonagh Roundabout with the Knockalisheen Road, close to the Limerick/Clare county boundary. The scheme forms part of the Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan, with improved transport and access regarded as key tools for enhancing socio-economic conditions.
The proposed road development consists of:
- 2.1km of new urban dual carriageway road with two 7.0m carriageways, footways, cycleways, verges, and embankment construction works
- 1.8km of major improvements to an existing urban single carriageway road with footways, cycleways, and verges
- 0.35km of minor improvements to existing roads with footways and verges
- 1.0km of minor improvements to existing rural single carriageway roads
- Two road-over-railway bridges, including the completion of one bridge currently at deck level
- Three new roundabouts
- Six signal-controlled pedestrian crossings
ROD, in partnership with MRG Consulting Engineers, brought the scheme from initial constraints study through route selection and preliminary design to planning, detailed design and tender. An Environmental Impact Assessment and an Oral Hearing were required at the planning stage.
Limerick City and County Council awarded the contract for the construction of the scheme to Wills Brothers Ltd in December 2024. ROD is now supporting the council by providing site supervision and contract administration during construction, close out and review.
The project will be delivered in phases, with the dual carriageway between Coonagh and Knockalisheen scheduled to open first. The entire scheme is expected to be completed within a 24-month timeline.
Highlights
The €31m project will unlock significant economic and social opportunities for Moyross and the wider area, improve the quality of life of local communities by providing them with better access to essential services and education, and open up the entire Moyross estate with a second entrance and exit.
Phase One Advance Works
In 2018, an advance works contract was undertaken to construct approximately 300 metres of the urban dual carriageway and a further 650 metres of surcharged earthworks embankments to accommodate a future dual carriageway and infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.
Sustainability
The proposed development supports a sustainable transport future by:
- enhancing proposals for BusConnects within Limerick City, as identified in the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040 (LSMATS)
- providing segregated footway/cycleways linking the retail/education centres at Coonagh to the residential areas at Cratloe Road, Moyross and Knockalisheen Road
- improving facilities for pedestrians by creating a fully accessible, safe, and attractive environment suitable for all ages and abilities
- enhancing connectivity between Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) campuses at Moylish and Coonagh
Services provided:
- Planning and development
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Civil engineering design
- Site supervision
- Contract administration
