Approximately 2,300ac of farmland will be needed for the new N/M20 Cork to Limerick project.

Although the final land requirements for the motorway have yet to be finalised and are subject to change, the project team estimates it will require 2,800ac of total land, including existing road networks.

A motorway from Cork to Limerick has been discussed since the 1990s and farmers in these areas have raised concerns about this project. Some farmers have criticised the lack of communication, lack of a clear timeline of development, and the threat of compulsory purchase orders (CPOs).

As of 16 June, the project agronomist has carried out approximately 210 on-site farm surveys.

However, a spokesperson for Limerick City and County Council said: “It should be noted that some of these farm operations include lands registered in different names, and leased lands, and as such the total number of names included (i.e. number of farmers) on the CPO schedules will be higher than the 210 farm operations quoted above.”

“The total number of property owners or reputed owners/lessees or reputed lessees/occupiers is yet to be determined and will be finalised upon publication of the associated CPO schedules.”