The third Design Update for the N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction & Oola Transport Project was published on Tuesday (May 27th), by Tipperary County Council, in partnership with Limerick City and County Council, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and the Department of Transport.
The project name has been amended to the ‘N24 Cahir to Limerick Junction & Oola Transport Project’ as part of Design Update No. 3 to more accurately reflect the extents of the N24 corridor under consideration.
In October 2024 Design Update No. 2 was published for the Preferred Transport Solution, including an active travel corridor and potential amendments to the corridor for the road component along with proposed junction locations.
Since Design Update No. 2, the design team have further progressed the design of the active travel and road components of the Preferred Transport Solution to take account of results from site surveys (including geotechnical investigations, topographical surveys and environmental surveys) and feedback from ongoing landowner engagement.
Design Update No. 3 drawings are now available for viewing on the project website (www.n24cahirlimerick.ie). These drawings are indicative only and subject to change as part of the ongoing design refinement and environmental evaluation process.
ACTIVE TRAVEL
The Active Travel component aims to encourage walking and cycling for work, school and leisure, linking communities, promoting healthier lifestyles, and reducing transport emissions. Direct active travel links between built-up areas along the Project will encourage modal shift, the use of sustainable forms of transport and inter-modal connectivity.
Within Tipperary Town, new streets incorporating active travel infrastructure are proposed. These streets will help divert traffic away from Main Street. This, in combination with a series of safety measures, such as signalisation of key junctions and the provision of signalised pedestrian crossings will encourage modal shift and assist in creating a more attractive environment for people living and working in the centre of Tipperary Town.
The Project, identified as a priority investment in the Government’s National Development Plan 2021-2030, will have a positive impact on the attractiveness of public transport. The proposed N24 will provide greater journey time savings and cater for an enhanced more reliable bus service between the cities of Limerick and Waterford.
The transport solution will provide improved connectivity to Limerick Junction Railway Station and the potential Strategic Freight Terminal and Transport Hub identified in the Tipperary County Development Plan where all modes of transport can interchange.
This most recent design update is an important step forward in the design development process as the project team continue to engage closely with landowners and various stakeholders.
ROAD SAFETY
In welcoming the most recent design update, Dr. Pat Daly, Director General, Limerick City and County Council, noted the benefit to those along the route.
“The significant reduction of heavy commercial vehicles and cars from the towns and villages along this section of the N24 corridor will improve road safety and reduce traffic congestion. It will have a lasting positive impact on the quality of life of residents along the route.
For further information visit Limerick.ie or contact the project team at cahirlimerick@midwestroads.ie or telephone (061) 951000.
