Motorway limbo finally over for residents

Residents in Árd Dara and Castle Gardens in Blarney had been on tenterhooks for over three years after being informed that the proposed M20 route linking Cork to Limerick could potentially impact their properties.

However, it has now been confirmed by the office of the Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD, that where the route passes Árd Dara and Castle Gardens, it will be developed by widening the existing N20 under the Station Road Bridge.

The confirmation from the minister’s office came in response to a parliamentary question raised by Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central, Thomas Gould, asking for clarification on the matter.

Responding to the news that residents would not be impacted by the M20, Deputy Gould said he had previously received verbal assurances but that this was the first time he had received written confirmation.

“I know this has impacted on people’s ability to sell their homes and to get loans to refurbish their homes,” said Mr Gould.

“These are very settled estates and people were left in limbo awaiting this confirmation.

“I hope that this news means that they can now feel secure in their homes again.

“The M20 is a vitally important piece of infrastructure – the road is too dangerous currently and does not provide proper connectivity between Cork and Limerick.

“We want to see this progressed now so that people can make this journey safely,” the deputy added.