"The road project is going to go ahead, it will going to go ahead from Coonagh to the Knockalisheen junction and see an upgrade of Moyross Avenue and the Knockalisheen Road at the same time."
The Green's Eamon Ryan
The Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan, has 'confirmed' that the so-called Coonagh-Knockalisheen relief 'road 'will proceed' as planned. the €58 million Coonagh to Knockalisheen Road There has been controversy in recent weeks over the delay in progressing the project with Green Party TD Brian Leddin indicating that just two thirds of the road would be now be built. However, Eamon Ryan has now 'confirmed' that the project will commence immediately.
Limerick Flooding
In 2019, there were severe floods in Coonagh village, located near the River Shannon. €58 million would be more usefully spent on River Shannon relief works than another road which will push more traffic into Limerick city itself.
The proposed 'Limerick Northern Distributor Road' will connect at the eastern end of this 'Coonagh-Knockalisheen Strategic Route' to the R445 (the old N7) running through County Limerick.
The R455 Regional Road
The R445 itself passes Annacotty, entering Limerick along the Dublin Road through Castletroy. The road crosses the Groody Bridge at the start of a new road section opened in 2004 (also designated the N7 at the time). This brings the Dublin Road and R445 combined to the Parkway Roundabout, connecting to the Childers Road. The R445 continues as the Dublin Road, Clare Street and Lock Quay before crossing the Abbey Bridge across the Abbey River.
Kings Island and King John's Castle
The R445 passes through King's Island as the Northern Relief Road and Castle Street (passing Limerick's King John's Castle). The route crosses the River Shannon via Thomond Bridge and follows High Street, Sexton Street and the Northern Ring Road (past LIT). At Caherdavin Cross (Ivan's Cross) the route follows the Ennis Road west out of Limerick to meet the N18 in County Clare at the Coonagh Roundabout.
In short, expansion of the adjacent existing road facilities will funnel yet more traffic into Limerick city proper.
Sources