Limerick City and County Council (LCCC) is working in partnership with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and the Department of Transport to develop two separate schemes to relieve congestion on the N21 Limerick to Tralee Road through Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale. These projects are called the N21 Newcastle West Road Scheme and the N21 Abbeyfeale Road Scheme.
A design update for these schemes was published today, 27th March 2025.
This design update shows the proposed mainlines, side road realignments and junction layouts as well as whether the roads are in cut or on fill. Additionally, it shows the proposed access arrangements, indicative land take lines, watercourse diversions and the location of drainage ponds and other details.
The Mayoral Programme - More for Limerick 2024 – 2029 aligns with and is guided by key national policies, including the National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan 2021-2030, which prioritises balanced regional development and infrastructure investment. It states that towns like Adare, Abbeyfeale and Newcastle West need to see progress on bypasses, which allow the centre of those towns to breathe and prosper again.
The Limerick Development Plan highlights the N21 projects as crucial for Limerick's economic, social, and sustainable growth. The National Planning Framework acknowledges the significant roles of towns like Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale, which provide employment and functions beyond their population size. The Atlantic Economic Corridor, stretching from Kerry to Donegal, is seen as a key enabler for regional growth, with improved regional connectivity being a major priority.
The N21 serves as a vital Strategic Corridor Link between the South-West and Mid-West Regions of Ireland. The proposed N21 Newcastle West and N21 Abbeyfeale Road Schemes aim to enhance transport connectivity and provide efficient access to other strategic national roads, including the N23 and N22 to the south and the M20, N18/M18, M7 and N24 to the north and east.
Each project is expected to have positive benefits on the urban environments of Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale and improve the quality of life of commuters and local residents. The projects offer opportunities to provide safe, segregated cycling and walking facilities and to integrate with the wider active travel networks such as the Limerick Greenway.
This Design Update is non-statutory, but it provides an opportunity for comments and observations to be submitted. The knowledge gained from the engagement will be considered by the project team as part of the next stages of the design development of the schemes.
The project team is keen to engage with property owners to outline the current proposals and to discuss any concerns they may have.
Observations/comments can be made by email to newcastlewest@midwestroads.ie or abbeyfeale@midwestroads.ie or by post addressed to Mid West National Road Design Office, Lissanalta House, Dooradoyle, Limerick, V94 H5RR. Information can be requested, and meetings can be booked by calling the Mid West National Road Design Office on 061-951 000.