Transport Minister, Noel Dempsey, T.D. today (Tuesday 27th July 2010) welcomed the official opening of the Limerick Tunnel by An Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, T.D.  Describing it as an historic day for Limerick. Minister Dempsey said:  “I am delighted to be here to witness An Taoiseach, officially open such a vital piece of infrastructure.  It is a significant addition to the Atlantic Road Corridor.  The tunnel has the capacity to take 40,000 vehicles out of Limerick city, making it a safer, cleaner place for all”.

The multi million-euro project is part of the Southern Ring Road Phase 2 development, which connects the M7 Dublin and M20 Cork roads with N18 to Galway and Shannon airport.  The tunnel runs for 900 metres, 675m of which is under the Shannon river. 

The Minister added: “Most importantly, it makes Limerick City and its environs a more attractive place to do business, providing as it does yet another link in the chain of motorways connecting our major cities with our air and sea-ports.  I believe that 2010 will be remembered as being the year in which Ireland delivered one of the most important pieces of infrastructure required of any modern nation - a fit-for-purpose national road infrastructure.  We are on the verge of delivering the last sections of the major interurban routes with just one section of the M9 to Waterford and two on the M7 to Limerick to be delivered - all before the end of the year. 

I would like to compliment the NRA, the local authorities involved, the Contractors and Direct Route for the magnificent piece of work they have delivered.  I agree with the Taoiseach, they should be proud of what they have achieved.”