The Limerick Tunnel is the Limerick city bypass connecting the Dublin Road, N7 to the Ennis Road - N18. The Limerick Tunnel consists of the following
9.75km of two lane dual carriageway
2.3km of single lane dual carriageway
675m long tunnel under the River Shannon
750m causeway across Bunlicky lake
11 Bridge
6 Underpasses and 8 Culverts
2 Toll Plazas

The Limerick South Ring Road Project consists of two phases
Phase 1 : Connects the Dublin Road N7 to the Cork Road N20/21. Phase 1 was completed in May 2004.
Phase II: This is the Limerick tunnel connecting the Dublin Road, N7 to the Ennis Road - N18. Once completed it will form the final part of the bypass around Limerick City, linking all national routes converging on the city.

The Limerick Tunnel is capable of handling up to 40,000 vehicles per day.
The capability of removing up to this many vehicles from the city centre will eliminate traffic congestion, improve air quality, lower CO2 emissions, allow for further pedestrianisation of the city centre as well as bus corridors. The Tunnel also improves access times for commuters to the various industrial estates as well as access to Shannon Airport, Galway , Dublin and Cork.

The Limerick Tunnel is funded through a Public Private Partnership (PPP).  This is the method whereby large projects are funded and operated through a partnership of Government and Private business.

PPP stands for Public Private Partnership.
Public Private Partnership schemes are used successfully around the world. The PPP scheme is based on the idea that better value for money can be achieved for suitable projects through the utilisation of private sector enterprise, enhanced scope for innovation and the allocation of risk to the party best able to manage it.
Further Details : PPP explained

The Tunnel is capable of handling up to 40000 vehicles per day.

The tunnel is tolled primarily to maintain and operate the tunnel as well as providing a return on investment for all parties involved in the PPP scheme.

A certain level of noise will be generated during the construction phase. However every care and attention will be undertaken to minimise any noise that may be generated.

While it is inevitable that the construction will have varying degrees of impact on the local environment , Limerick County Council will minimise these affects by :

Setting and implementing standards relating to working hours, use of explosives, discharges to watercourses and the control of dust and emissions.

Ensuring proper maintenance of roads and footpaths during the construction phase.

Limiting the use of existing roads by construction traffic.

Limiting the number and duration of road closures.

Reinstating/Replanting of landscape and habitats disrupted by construction activities.

The long term effects on the environment will be minimal and in some cases be of benefit to the local environment. The diversion of up to 40,000 vehicles from the city centre will lower traffic congestion improve air quality and improve access times.
An exhaustive Environmental Impact Study was carried out to assess the impact on the environment during the development phase as well the long term environmental impact of the project.

The primary headings were as follows.

Impact on the community

Air Quality

Noise and Vibration

Landscape and visual impact

Terrestrial Environment

Fresh Water Environment

Estuarine Environment

Soil, Geology and Hydrogeology

Climate

Agricultural Properties

Non Agricultural Properties

Architectural, Archaeological and Cultural Heritage

Potential Construction Impacts

Further Details : Environmental Study

Disruption to traffic will be minimised wherever possible.
Limerick County Council hope to minimise any disruptions by limiting the use of existing roads by construction traffic. as well as limiting the number and duration of road closures.

This website will publish the progress of the project as well as any major interruptions that may be caused. There is also a quarterly newsletter published in the local media to keep people informed.