The Limerick Tunnel PPP, which comprises 10km of dual carriageway including the 675 metres Limerick Tunnel under the River Shannon was officially opened on Tuesday.
The Limerick Tunnel PPP Scheme forms Phase 2 of the Limerick Southern Ring Road and connects Phase 1 at Rossbrien on the south side of the city to the N18 Ennis Road on the west and is part of the National Roads Authority’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) programme.
The concession contract was awarded to the Direct Route (Limerick) Ltd Consortium in August 2006 and they hold the concession for a 35 year period. This project has been funded by the Irish Government under National Development Plan 2007-2013 and Transport 21.
Speaking at the opening An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, TD, said: “The new Limerick tunnel is an historic crossing under the river Shannon. It is a key element in our national road infrastructure and is vitally important to the people of the Mid-West. As the world economy improves, it is important to remember all the positive things happening in our country. More than €1.4 billion will be spent this year on our national, regional and local road infrastructure.
This level of investment provides a much needed fiscal stimulus around the country and also helps maintain thousands of jobs. The delivery of these vital routes has transformed our national road network beyond all recognition. This investment will make us more competitive and help support jobs and economic growth as the global economy recovers”
Noel Dempsey, TD, Minister for Transport, said: “The Limerick Tunnel is the outcome of many years of vision and effort. It is one of the largest infrastructural projects ever undertaken in the Mid-West region. It will provide a fourth crossing of the river Shannon in Limerick and improve access times for commuters to the city, as well as access to Shannon Airport, Galway, Cork, Kerry and Dublin. By the end of 2010 all our major cities, together with towns and villages between them will be accessible via a world class road network, which will offer safer and more reliable travel for people. I wish a safe journey to everyone travelling on this motorway and I ask all who drive on it to behave courteously to other road users.”
