The existing N20 road between Cork and Limerick is one of Ireland’s most dangerous and congested national routes. Communities in towns such as Mallow, Buttevant and Charleville face daily traffic congestion, safety risks and economic limitations due to delays in delivering the long-promised M20 motorway.

The M20 project has been discussed for over two decades and remains stuck in planning stages. Meanwhile, road users continue to face safety concerns and significant travel delays on a route that connects two of Ireland’s largest cities.

We call on the Government to:

1: Prioritise and fast-track planning approval for the M20 Cork–Limerick motorway
2: Secure full funding for construction
3: Provide a clear timeline for delivery
4: Accelerate bypasses for towns currently impacted by heavy traffic

More than 10 pedestrians have died in about the last 10 years while crossing the main street of Charleville, which is part of the N20 Cork–Limerick road. Many of the victims were elderly pedestrians struck by heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) crossing the road. In one recent period, two elderly pedestrians (aged 82 and 70) were killed within weeks of each other crossing the road.

Around 15,000 vehicles pass through Charleville daily on the N20. 

Delivering this project is essential for road safety, regional development and connectivity in the south-west and mid-west of Ireland.

With the new N/M20 Cork–Limerick motorway, the journey will be significantly faster than today.
Estimated travel time (after the motorway opens)

Blarney (near Cork) → Patrickswell (Limerick): about 40 minutes by car at motorway speeds (120 km/h).  

Because Mallow lies roughly halfway between Cork and Limerick, the motorway would shorten the Mallow → Limerick part even more.

Estimated time from Mallow to Limerick: About 25–30 minutes in normal traffic on the motorway.