Sinn Féin TD for Limerick Maurice Quinlivan has welcomed the Minister for Transport’s confirmation that the Coonagh-Knockalisheen Road will now be completed in full.

Teachta Quinlivan stated:

“Firstly, this is a very welcome development for the Moyross community, the northside of the city and Limerick more generally. I am pleased that the Minister has changed course on this matter and has taken on board the needs of the local community.

“The Coonagh-Knockalisheen Distributor Road is a key part of the Limerick Regeneration plan and when delivered has the potential to open educational and economic opportunity to one of the most disadvantaged communities in the State. I am delighted that community voices have been heard and the ill-conceived Green Party suggestion of a partial completion has been shelved.”

The Sinn Féin TD continued:

“This has always been more than just building a road. This was about building hope and opportunity in the community. For too long now Moyross has been a cul-de-sac both geographically and socially. It has been physically isolated from the rest of Limerick and this has led to the isolation and exclusion of this community. The construction of this road, within three years, will be a major boost to the area, particularly economically.

“While the construction of a road is not the solution to all the challenges that this area faces, it is a first step that can be the catalyst for future development. Indeed, it is my understanding that one economic opportunity that was dependent on the road construction will now be able to progress.

“Myself and my party colleagues have been working on this issue for quite some time and we are delighted with today’s announcement. I think the intervention of my party leader, Mary Lou McDonald, was crucial. However, it was the local population and the community leaders that won this battle. Community leaders were unrelenting in their campaign – a campaign that gained national prominence. This is their victory. Without their willingness and determination to fight, this road may never have been built.”

Concluding his remarks, the Sinn Féin TD added:

“Today is a good day for Moyross but we are still only at the start of a project that can transform this area. I know that the community leaders will remain active on this campaign to ensure what has been committed to today is delivered. Their campaign and the results they have achieved is a demonstration of what a united, organised and determined community can achieve. Today is a good day for the community. I hope that is the first of many as we commence this journey of development and connectivity.”