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M8 motorway (Ireland)
Encyclopedia
The M8 motorway is an inter-urban motorway in Ireland, which forms part of the road from the capital - Dublin - to Cork city
. The 149 km motorway commences in the townland
of Aghaboe, County Laois
and runs through the counties of Kilkenny
, North Tipperary
, South Tipperary
and Limerick
, terminating at the Dunkettle interchange
in County Cork
.
First called for in the Road Needs Study (1998), it was later incorporated into the National Development Plan
(2000–2006) and later still formed part of the Irish Government's Transport 21
plan for infrastructural development. The majority of the M8 (115 km) was built between 2006 and 2010. On 28 May 2010, the motorway was completed and had replaced almost all of the single-carriageway N8 except for a short section of urban road in Cork City.
and R433
roads until it runs parallel to the single-carriageway R639 road, bypassing Abbeyleix
, Durrow
, Cullahill, Johnstown
, Urlingford
, Littleton
, Horse and Jockey
, Cashel
, New Inn, Cahir
, Skeheenarinky
, Kilbeheny
, Mitchelstown
, Kilworth Mountain, Fermoy
, Rathcormac
, Watergrasshill
and Glanmire
.
Between its junction with the M7 and Dunkettle, the M8 passes through pasture in County Laois, and over bog
land and coniferous forest through County Kilkenny and North Tipperary
. South of Cashel, it enters the Golden Vale
and crosses the River Suir
west of Cahir. The motorway then travels south-west along the Galtee Mountains
, passing Glengarra Wood
and Mitchelstown Cave. East of the route, the Knockmealdown Mountains
and the Comeraghs
are starkly visible. The M8 crosses into County Cork
south of Kilbeheny and proceeds south to the east of Mitchelstown, before skirting around the base of Kilworth Mountain through pastoral farmland and demesne
parkland. At Moorepark, some 5 km north of Fermoy, the M8 is tolled for the next 17.5 kilometres. This tolled section is notable for incorporating an impressive 450m viaduct
crossing of the River Blackwater
. Toll plazas are located between junctions 16 and 17 and at the southbound exit of junction 15. The current toll for cars is €1.90. Many motorists, particularly lorry drivers, drive through Fermoy, Rathcormac and Watergrasshill to avoid the toll. In 2006 the Irish Road Haulage Association advised its members not to use the toll road, because they considered it to be too expensive. Consequently, traffic volumes through Watergrasshill increased by about 6,000 vehicles (of which approximately 1,100 were lorries) per day at the end of that year. By the end of 2008 increasing numbers of vehicles were opting to pay the toll. The M8 continues south, bypassing Watergrasshill
, Sallybrook
, Riverstown and Glanmire
, before ending 450m north of the Jack Lynch Tunnel
at the approach to the Dunkettle Interchange, which connects it with the N25 to Waterford
and the N8 to Cork city centre. Despite having a nominal nineteen junctions, the motorway in fact only has eighteen, due to the fact that the proposed junction 2 was never constructed.
The M8 was constructed in eight stages between 1985 and 2010. Some of the sections which now form part of the M8 were initially opened as dual-carriageway and previously formed part of the N8, while other sections were opened as motorway.
In chronological order, the various sections opened as follows (status on opening in brackets):
, were substantially delivered and operational by 1999. The Glanmire Bypass was built by multiple contractors at a cost of 45 million punts
. It was reclassified as a motorway in July 2009 and was officially incorporated into the rest of the M8 route on 28 August 2009.
) through Watergrasshill and Sallybrook villages. The Watergrasshill Bypass was the cause of some controversy in October 2006 when its northern junction was incorporated into the tolled 'Fermoy Bypass' section of the M8, as, previously, it had been untolled.
As with the Glanmire Bypass, the Watergrasshill Bypass officially became a part of the M8 on 28 August 2009.
48 million 6.7 km Cashel bypass began in May 2003 and it opened to traffic in October 2004 with a speed limit of 100 km/h. Originally classified as a standard dual carriageway
section of the then N8, the scheme was officially redesignated a motorway by Statutory Instrument
on 17 July 2008. This change came into effect on September 24 in the same year and blue motorway signage replaced the green signage erected in 2004. In addition, the speed limit was increased to 120 km/h.
The Cashel bypass opened initially with at-grade roundabouts at both ends. When the Cashel to Mitchelstown scheme opened in July 2008, the southern end of the bypass was fused with the northern end of that scheme by removing the at-grade roundabout and replacing it with a new extended dumbbell interchange. The same happened at its northern end when the Cashel to Cullahill project was built. The project was built by Roadbridge Ltd..
The section was built by Direct Route, who continue to operate and maintain it.
and Cashel
, runs between junctions 9 and 10, and opened as a High Quality Dual Carriageway (HQDC) section of the then N8 with green signage. The green signage was replaced with blue motorway signage in September 2008 in preparation for the motorway redesignation changeover, which came into effect on 24th of that month. The scheme was built by Roadbridge Sisk JV.
It was built by Roadbridge Ltd. at a cost of €174 million.
The scheme drew national attention during the preliminary archaeological investigations in January 2006 when over 500 human skeletons from the seventh century were discovered at the townland of Parknahown just south of Cullahill.
A proposed local access junction, which would have been numbered '2' on the M8's junction numbering scheme, was eliminated from the final design by the Irish planning board to enable construction of full movement access between the M8 and the M7 at a future date if required.
The road is under the management of Midlink M7/M8 Ltd, and cost €491 million euro to construct.
(NRA) has planned the construction of motorway service areas
at approximately 60-kilometre intervals along each of Ireland's interurban routes. Under this plan, the M8 will have two such areas. One will be located between junctions 6 and 7, while the other will be sited between junctions 13 and 14. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the service area north of Cashel was published in mid-February 2009, while the Notice of the Compulsory Purchase of land for the service area was advertised on 31 August 2010. The EIS for the remaining service area at Kilworth has yet to be published.
published a proposal to link the M8 at junction 18 with the proposed N22 'North Ring Road' for Cork city in late 2008. The proposed junction, which would be free-flow in both directions, would effectively convert the M8 between junctions 18 and 19 into one segment of the envisaged 360-degree ring road around Cork.
Cork (city)
Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the island of Ireland's third most populous city. It is the principal city and administrative centre of County Cork and the largest city in the province of Munster. Cork has a population of 119,418, while the addition of the suburban...
. The 149 km motorway commences in the townland
Townland
A townland or bally is a small geographical division of land used in Ireland. The townland system is of Gaelic origin—most townlands are believed to pre-date the Norman invasion and most have names derived from the Irish language...
of Aghaboe, County Laois
County Laois
County Laois is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Midlands Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It was formerly known as Queen's County until the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922. The county's name was formerly spelt as Laoighis and Leix. Laois County Council...
and runs through the counties of Kilkenny
County Kilkenny
County Kilkenny is a county in Ireland. It is part of the South-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the city of Kilkenny. The territory of the county was the core part of the ancient Irish Kingdom of Osraige which in turn was the core of the Diocese of...
, North Tipperary
North Tipperary
North Tipperary is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Mid-West Region and is also located in the province of Munster. It is named after the town of Tipperary and consists of 48% of the land area of the traditional county of Tipperary. The county was established in 1898 and has had a county...
, South Tipperary
South Tipperary
South Tipperary is a county in Ireland. It is part of the South-East Region and is also located in the province of Munster. It is named after the town of Tipperary and consists of 52% of the land area of the traditional county of Tipperary. The county was established in 1898 and has had a county...
and Limerick
County Limerick
It is thought that humans had established themselves in the Lough Gur area of the county as early as 3000 BC, while megalithic remains found at Duntryleague date back further to 3500 BC...
, terminating at the Dunkettle interchange
Dunkettle Interchange
The Dunkettle Interchange is a major road junction in east Cork City, Ireland forming a junction between the M8 and the N25. The junction is currently a 4 arm signalised junction with a flyover, allowing traffic travelling in a east-west direction and vica-versa to avoid having to use the roundabout...
in County Cork
County Cork
County Cork is a county in Ireland. It is located in the South-West Region and is also part of the province of Munster. It is named after the city of Cork . Cork County Council is the local authority for the county...
.
First called for in the Road Needs Study (1998), it was later incorporated into the National Development Plan
National Development Plan
National Development Plan is the title given by the Irish Government to a scheme of organised large-scale expenditure on national infrastructure. The period covered by the seven year plan runs from 2000 to 2006. A second National Development Plan is currently in progress and is due to run until...
(2000–2006) and later still formed part of the Irish Government's Transport 21
Transport 21
Transport 21 is an Irish infrastructure plan, announced in November 2005. It aims to greatly expand Ireland's transport network. A cost estimate of €34 billion was attached to the plan at the time....
plan for infrastructural development. The majority of the M8 (115 km) was built between 2006 and 2010. On 28 May 2010, the motorway was completed and had replaced almost all of the single-carriageway N8 except for a short section of urban road in Cork City.
Route
The route starts in the townland of Aghaboe, County Laois, at a motorway-to-motorway interchange with the M7. From here it proceeds southwards, passing under the R434R434 road
The R434 road is a regional road in Ireland linking Borris-in-Ossory on the N7 national primary road to Durrow on the R639. En route it passes through Aghaboe and Ballycolla, and over both the M7 and M8 motorways. The entire route is within County Laois....
and R433
R433 road
The R433 road is a regional road in Ireland linking Templemore, County Tipperary and Abbeyleix, County Laois. It passes through the village of Clonmore, County Tipperary and Errill, County Laois and the towns of Rathdowney and Ballycolla, between which it forms junction 3 of the M8 Cork-Dublin...
roads until it runs parallel to the single-carriageway R639 road, bypassing Abbeyleix
Abbeyleix
Abbeyleix is a town in County Laois, Ireland about from Portlaoise and located on the N77 national secondary route. Formerly the N8 National Primary Route ran through the centre of the town, making Abbeyleix an infamous bottleneck on the Dublin-Cork corridor with up to 15,000 vehicles passing...
, Durrow
Durrow, County Laois
Durrow is a small town located in south County Laois, Ireland. Bypassed by the M8 motorway on 28 May 2010, the town is located on the R639 road at its junction with the N77. The river Erkina flows through Durrow and joins the River Nore about 1.5 km east of the town...
, Cullahill, Johnstown
Johnstown, County Kilkenny
Johnstown , historically known as Coorthafooka , is a village in County Kilkenny, Ireland. Bypassed in December 2008 by the M8, the town lies at the junction of the R639, the R502 and the R435 regional roads. It is the home of the Fenians GAA hurling club...
, Urlingford
Urlingford
Urlingford is a town in the barony of Galmoy, County Kilkenny, Ireland.The town lies on the R639. The M8 motorway runs just west of the town, from which both Urlingford and nearby Johnstown are accessed via junction four. Urlingford is a bus hub, with major operator JJ Kavanagh and Sons based there...
, Littleton
Littleton, County Tipperary
Littleton is a village in North Tipperary, Ireland. It is within the townlands of Ballybeg and Ballydavid, about northeast of Cashel and to the southeast of Thurles. By-passed by the M8 in December 2008, Littleton lies at a crossroads on the R639 road. Its population was 463 at the 2006 census...
, Horse and Jockey
Horse and Jockey
Horse and Jockey is a village in North Tipperary, Ireland. It lies on the R639 road, where it meets the N62 road to Thurles. It lies just off junction 6 of the M8 motorway, which by-passed the village in December 2008...
, Cashel
Cashel, County Tipperary
Cashel is a town in South Tipperary in Ireland. Its population was 2936 at the 2006 census. The town gives its name to the ecclesiastical province of Cashel. Additionally, the cathedra of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly was originally in the town prior to the English Reformation....
, New Inn, Cahir
Cahir
Cahir is a town in South Tipperary in Ireland. The town is best known for its castle and the Swiss Cottage. It is in the barony of Iffa and Offa West.-Location and access:...
, Skeheenarinky
Skeheenarinky
Skeheenarinky is a townland in south-west County Tipperary, Ireland.It is a dispersed settlement with a focal point at Skeheenarinky Crosswhere a school, shop and pub are located.-Location:...
, Kilbeheny
Kilbeheny
Kilbehenny is a village in County Limerick, Ireland, on the R639 regional road. It is situated on the County Cork border and is within two kilometers of the County Tipperary border...
, Mitchelstown
Mitchelstown
Mitchelstown is a town in County Cork, Ireland with a population of approximately 3300. Mitchelstown is situated in the valley to the south of the Galtee Mountains close to the Mitchelstown Caves and is 28 km from Cahir, 50 km from Cork and 59 km from Limerick...
, Kilworth Mountain, Fermoy
Fermoy
Fermoy is a town in County Cork, Ireland. It is situated on the River Blackwater in the south of Ireland. Its population is some 5,800 inhabitants, environs included ....
, Rathcormac
Rathcormac
Rathcormac is a small town in north County Cork, Ireland. Previously situated on the main Cork to Dublin road , it was bypassed in 2006 by the M8. The former N8 through Main St is now the R639 regional road.-Amenities:...
, Watergrasshill
Watergrasshill
Watergrasshill is a small town in County Cork, Province of Munster, Ireland. The 2006 census recorded a population of 1,068.Bypassed in 2003, the town is situated on the R639 road. It is accessible via junction 17 of the M8 motorway...
and Glanmire
Glanmire
Glanmire literally meaning ‘The valley of the small fish; The valley of the ploughed land:' The Still Vale: The Valley of the Young Fish) is a town in County Cork, Ireland with a population of 15,498....
.
Between its junction with the M7 and Dunkettle, the M8 passes through pasture in County Laois, and over bog
Bog
A bog, quagmire or mire is a wetland that accumulates acidic peat, a deposit of dead plant material—often mosses or, in Arctic climates, lichens....
land and coniferous forest through County Kilkenny and North Tipperary
North Tipperary
North Tipperary is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Mid-West Region and is also located in the province of Munster. It is named after the town of Tipperary and consists of 48% of the land area of the traditional county of Tipperary. The county was established in 1898 and has had a county...
. South of Cashel, it enters the Golden Vale
Golden Vale
The Golden Vale is an area of rolling pastureland in the civil province of Munster, southwestern Ireland. Covering parts of three counties, Limerick, Tipperary and Cork, it is the best land in Ireland for dairy farming....
and crosses the River Suir
River Suir
The River Suir is a river in Ireland that flows into the Atlantic Ocean near Waterford after a distance of .Popular with anglers, it holds plentiful reserves of brown trout...
west of Cahir. The motorway then travels south-west along the Galtee Mountains
Galtee Mountains
The Galtee Mountains or Galty Mountains are a mountain range in Munster, located in Ireland's Golden Vale across parts of counties Limerick, South Tipperary and Cork. The name "Galtee" is thought to be a corruption of the Irish "Sléibhte na gCoillte" - "Mountains of the Forests" in English,...
, passing Glengarra Wood
Glengarra Wood
Glengarra Wood is a mixed woodland in Ireland located southwest of Cahir, Co. Tipperary off the M8 motorway and R639 road. Approximately in extent, it is situated on Old Red Sandstone on the southern slopes of the Galtee Mountains. It is mainly a coniferous forest with Sitka Spruce being the main...
and Mitchelstown Cave. East of the route, the Knockmealdown Mountains
Knockmealdown Mountains
The Knockmealdown Mountains are a mountain range located on the border of counties South Tipperary and Waterford in Ireland, running east and west between the two counties. The highest peak of the range is Knockmealdown, situated in County Waterford...
and the Comeraghs
Comeragh Mountains
The Comeragh Mountains are a glaciated mountain range situated in the south east of Ireland in County Waterford. They are located between the town of Clonmel on the County Tipperary border and the villages of Kilrossanty and Kilmacthomas in County Waterford.The twelve mountains which form the...
are starkly visible. The M8 crosses into County Cork
County Cork
County Cork is a county in Ireland. It is located in the South-West Region and is also part of the province of Munster. It is named after the city of Cork . Cork County Council is the local authority for the county...
south of Kilbeheny and proceeds south to the east of Mitchelstown, before skirting around the base of Kilworth Mountain through pastoral farmland and demesne
Demesne
In the feudal system the demesne was all the land, not necessarily all contiguous to the manor house, which was retained by a lord of the manor for his own use and support, under his own management, as distinguished from land sub-enfeoffed by him to others as sub-tenants...
parkland. At Moorepark, some 5 km north of Fermoy, the M8 is tolled for the next 17.5 kilometres. This tolled section is notable for incorporating an impressive 450m viaduct
Viaduct
A viaduct is a bridge composed of several small spans. The term viaduct is derived from the Latin via for road and ducere to lead something. However, the Ancient Romans did not use that term per se; it is a modern derivation from an analogy with aqueduct. Like the Roman aqueducts, many early...
crossing of the River Blackwater
Munster Blackwater
The Blackwater or Munster Blackwater is a river which flows through counties Kerry, Cork, and Waterford in Ireland. It rises in the Mullaghareirk Mountains in County Kerry and then flows in an easterly direction through County Cork, through Mallow and Fermoy...
. Toll plazas are located between junctions 16 and 17 and at the southbound exit of junction 15. The current toll for cars is €1.90. Many motorists, particularly lorry drivers, drive through Fermoy, Rathcormac and Watergrasshill to avoid the toll. In 2006 the Irish Road Haulage Association advised its members not to use the toll road, because they considered it to be too expensive. Consequently, traffic volumes through Watergrasshill increased by about 6,000 vehicles (of which approximately 1,100 were lorries) per day at the end of that year. By the end of 2008 increasing numbers of vehicles were opting to pay the toll. The M8 continues south, bypassing Watergrasshill
Watergrasshill
Watergrasshill is a small town in County Cork, Province of Munster, Ireland. The 2006 census recorded a population of 1,068.Bypassed in 2003, the town is situated on the R639 road. It is accessible via junction 17 of the M8 motorway...
, Sallybrook
Sallybrook
Sallybrook is a small village on the outskirts of Cork City, Ireland. It is in the townland of Knocknahorgan on the River Glashaboy . The main village has twenty houses which date back over 150 years, and were originally part of the Smith Barry Estate situated on Fota Island near Cobh, in Cork...
, Riverstown and Glanmire
Glanmire
Glanmire literally meaning ‘The valley of the small fish; The valley of the ploughed land:' The Still Vale: The Valley of the Young Fish) is a town in County Cork, Ireland with a population of 15,498....
, before ending 450m north of the Jack Lynch Tunnel
Jack Lynch Tunnel
The Jack Lynch Tunnel is an immersed tube tunnel and an integral part of the N25 southern ring road of Cork in Ireland. It is named after former Taoiseach, Jack Lynch, a native of Cork....
at the approach to the Dunkettle Interchange, which connects it with the N25 to Waterford
Waterford
Waterford is a city in the South-East Region of Ireland. It is the oldest city in the country and fifth largest by population. Waterford City Council is the local government authority for the city and its immediate hinterland...
and the N8 to Cork city centre. Despite having a nominal nineteen junctions, the motorway in fact only has eighteen, due to the fact that the proposed junction 2 was never constructed.
History
In chronological order, the various sections opened as follows (status on opening in brackets):
- Glanmire Bypass (April 1992, as dual carriageway) - junctions 19 to 18;
- Watergrasshill Bypass (September 2003), as HQDC - junctions 17 to 18;
- Cashel Bypass (October 2004, as standard dual carriageway) - junctions 7 through 9;
- Fermoy Bypass (October 2006, as motorway) - junction 14 through 17;
- Cashel-Mitchelstown (July 2008, as HQDC) - junctions 9 through 12;
- Cashel-Cullahill (December 2008, as motorway) - junctions 7 through 4;
- Mitchelstown-Fermoy (May 2009, as motorway) - junctions 12 through 14;
- Cullahill-Portlaoise (May 2010, as motorway) - junctions 4 through 1.
Glanmire Bypass
The Glanmire Bypass opened as a 6.3 km dual carriageway on 3 April 1992, after a construction period of almost seven years, representing the first major improvement made to the Cork to Portlaoise corridor. Called for in the 'Land Use and Transportation Study' (LUTS) Report of 1976, the bypass replaced the older road through Glanmire village and was envisaged as part of broader strategic roads upgrade to service an expanding Cork City. Other components of this plan, such as the N25 South Ring Road and the Jack Lynch TunnelJack Lynch Tunnel
The Jack Lynch Tunnel is an immersed tube tunnel and an integral part of the N25 southern ring road of Cork in Ireland. It is named after former Taoiseach, Jack Lynch, a native of Cork....
, were substantially delivered and operational by 1999. The Glanmire Bypass was built by multiple contractors at a cost of 45 million punts
Irish pound
The Irish pound was the currency of Ireland until 2002. Its ISO 4217 code was IEP, and the usual notation was the prefix £...
. It was reclassified as a motorway in July 2009 and was officially incorporated into the rest of the M8 route on 28 August 2009.
Watergrasshill Bypass
The Watergrasshill Bypass was the second section of grade separated dual carriageway to open on the Cork-Portlaoise route. It opened on 12 September 2003, at a cost of €144 million. Built by Mowlem and Bowen in partnership, the seven kilometre route replaced a winding and narrow section of the older N8 (now the R639R639 road
The R639 road is one of Ireland's regional roads. Once designated the N8 national primary road , it was reclassified in stages as the R639 following the progressive opening of sections of the M8 motorway, which rendered the single carriageway N8 redundant as a national primary road...
) through Watergrasshill and Sallybrook villages. The Watergrasshill Bypass was the cause of some controversy in October 2006 when its northern junction was incorporated into the tolled 'Fermoy Bypass' section of the M8, as, previously, it had been untolled.
As with the Glanmire Bypass, the Watergrasshill Bypass officially became a part of the M8 on 28 August 2009.
Cashel Bypass
Construction of the €Euro
The euro is the official currency of the eurozone: 17 of the 27 member states of the European Union. It is also the currency used by the Institutions of the European Union. The eurozone consists of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,...
48 million 6.7 km Cashel bypass began in May 2003 and it opened to traffic in October 2004 with a speed limit of 100 km/h. Originally classified as a standard dual carriageway
Dual carriageway
A dual carriageway is a class of highway with two carriageways for traffic travelling in opposite directions separated by a central reservation...
section of the then N8, the scheme was officially redesignated a motorway by Statutory Instrument
Statutory Instrument
A Statutory Instrument is the principal form in which delegated or secondary legislation is made in Great Britain.Statutory Instruments are governed by the Statutory Instruments Act 1946. They replaced Statutory Rules and Orders, made under the Rules Publication Act 1893, in 1948.Most delegated...
on 17 July 2008. This change came into effect on September 24 in the same year and blue motorway signage replaced the green signage erected in 2004. In addition, the speed limit was increased to 120 km/h.
The Cashel bypass opened initially with at-grade roundabouts at both ends. When the Cashel to Mitchelstown scheme opened in July 2008, the southern end of the bypass was fused with the northern end of that scheme by removing the at-grade roundabout and replacing it with a new extended dumbbell interchange. The same happened at its northern end when the Cashel to Cullahill project was built. The project was built by Roadbridge Ltd..
Fermoy Bypass
Construction of this 17.5 km tolled scheme started in June 2004 and was completed on 2 October 2006. This was the first stretch of actual M8 to open in the country (the Cashel bypass opened as standard DC in 2004 before its motorway redesignation in mid-2008).The section was built by Direct Route, who continue to operate and maintain it.
Cashel-Mitchelstown
Construction of this 37 km length of motorway started in May 2006. It was fully opened with a 100 km/h speed limit on 25 July 2008, some 10 months ahead of schedule. Twelve kilometres of the scheme had already opened nine months prior to this. This previously opened stretch, located between CahirCahir
Cahir is a town in South Tipperary in Ireland. The town is best known for its castle and the Swiss Cottage. It is in the barony of Iffa and Offa West.-Location and access:...
and Cashel
Cashel, County Tipperary
Cashel is a town in South Tipperary in Ireland. Its population was 2936 at the 2006 census. The town gives its name to the ecclesiastical province of Cashel. Additionally, the cathedra of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly was originally in the town prior to the English Reformation....
, runs between junctions 9 and 10, and opened as a High Quality Dual Carriageway (HQDC) section of the then N8 with green signage. The green signage was replaced with blue motorway signage in September 2008 in preparation for the motorway redesignation changeover, which came into effect on 24th of that month. The scheme was built by Roadbridge Sisk JV.
Cashel-Cullahill
Construction of this 40 km stretch started in October 2006 and was opened to traffic on 8 December 2008, some seven months ahead of the target completion date. Like four of the other M8 schemes, the section was originally to open as HQDC with green signage and a 100 km/h limit. However, due to its redesignation as motorway in September 2008 it opened with full motorway restrictions, appropriate blue signage and other standard motorway features (emergency telephones, etc.). The scheme was built by Roadbridge Sisk JV at a cost of €434 million.Mitchelstown-Fermoy
Construction of this 16 km scheme started in December 2007. The section opened to traffic on 25 May 2009, some nine months ahead of the original target completion date. Like the Cashel-Cullahill project, the Fermoy-Mitchelstown scheme was redesignated a motorway during its construction, having originally been envisaged as a HQDC.It was built by Roadbridge Ltd. at a cost of €174 million.
Cullahill-Portlaoise
This section of the M8 was the penultimate part of the motorway to enter the construction phase, in June 2007. At 4pm on 28 May 2010 it was the final section of the Dublin-Cork interurban route to open. The contractor building the scheme was Portlaoise Joint Venture (PJV), which was acquired by BAM before the project's completion.The scheme drew national attention during the preliminary archaeological investigations in January 2006 when over 500 human skeletons from the seventh century were discovered at the townland of Parknahown just south of Cullahill.
A proposed local access junction, which would have been numbered '2' on the M8's junction numbering scheme, was eliminated from the final design by the Irish planning board to enable construction of full movement access between the M8 and the M7 at a future date if required.
The road is under the management of Midlink M7/M8 Ltd, and cost €491 million euro to construct.
Junctions
| M8 motorway | |||
| Northbound exit | Junction | Southbound exit | |
The NORTHEAST (M7  )- Dublin, Portlaoise, Kildare Kildare -External links:*******... , Naas Naas Naas is the county town of County Kildare in Ireland. With a population of just over twenty thousand, it is also the largest town in the county. Naas is a major commuter suburb, with many people residing there and working in Dublin... |
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The SOUTH (M8) - Cork Cork (city) Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland and the island of Ireland's third most populous city. It is the principal city and administrative centre of County Cork and the largest city in the province of Munster. Cork has a population of 119,418, while the addition of the suburban... , Fermoy Fermoy Fermoy is a town in County Cork, Ireland. It is situated on the River Blackwater in the south of Ireland. Its population is some 5,800 inhabitants, environs included .... , Mitchelstown Mitchelstown Mitchelstown is a town in County Cork, Ireland with a population of approximately 3300. Mitchelstown is situated in the valley to the south of the Galtee Mountains close to the Mitchelstown Caves and is 28 km from Cahir, 50 km from Cork and 59 km from Limerick... , Cahir Cahir Cahir is a town in South Tipperary in Ireland. The town is best known for its castle and the Swiss Cottage. It is in the barony of Iffa and Offa West.-Location and access:... , Clonmel Clonmel Clonmel is the county town of South Tipperary in Ireland. It is the largest town in the county. While the borough had a population of 15,482 in 2006, another 17,008 people were in the rural hinterland. The town is noted in Irish history for its resistance to the Cromwellian army which sacked both... , Cashel Cashel, County Tipperary Cashel is a town in South Tipperary in Ireland. Its population was 2936 at the 2006 census. The town gives its name to the ecclesiastical province of Cashel. Additionally, the cathedra of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly was originally in the town prior to the English Reformation.... , Thurles Thurles Thurles is a town situated in North Tipperary, Ireland. It is a civil parish in the historical barony of Eliogarty and is also an ecclesiastical parish in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly... , Urlingford Urlingford Urlingford is a town in the barony of Galmoy, County Kilkenny, Ireland.The town lies on the R639. The M8 motorway runs just west of the town, from which both Urlingford and nearby Johnstown are accessed via junction four. Urlingford is a bus hub, with major operator JJ Kavanagh and Sons based there... , Durrow Durrow, County Laois Durrow is a small town located in south County Laois, Ireland. Bypassed by the M8 motorway on 28 May 2010, the town is located on the R639 road at its junction with the N77. The river Erkina flows through Durrow and joins the River Nore about 1.5 km east of the town... , Rathdowney Rathdowney Rathdowney or Rathdowny is a town in southwest County Laois, Ireland. It lies some 32 km southwest of Portlaoise in the Irish Midlands, at the point where the R433 regional road from Abbeyleix to Templemore is crossed by the R435 from Borris-in-Ossory to Johnstown... , Abbeyleix Abbeyleix Abbeyleix is a town in County Laois, Ireland about from Portlaoise and located on the N77 national secondary route. Formerly the N8 National Primary Route ran through the centre of the town, making Abbeyleix an infamous bottleneck on the Dublin-Cork corridor with up to 15,000 vehicles passing... |
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| Abbeyleix Abbeyleix Abbeyleix is a town in County Laois, Ireland about from Portlaoise and located on the N77 national secondary route. Formerly the N8 National Primary Route ran through the centre of the town, making Abbeyleix an infamous bottleneck on the Dublin-Cork corridor with up to 15,000 vehicles passing... , Rathdowney Rathdowney Rathdowney or Rathdowny is a town in southwest County Laois, Ireland. It lies some 32 km southwest of Portlaoise in the Irish Midlands, at the point where the R433 regional road from Abbeyleix to Templemore is crossed by the R435 from Borris-in-Ossory to Johnstown... , Templemore Templemore Templemore is a town in North Tipperary, Ireland. It is a civil parish in the historical barony of Eliogarty. It is part of the Roman Catholic parish of Templemore, Clonmore and Killea.... (R433 R433 road The R433 road is a regional road in Ireland linking Templemore, County Tipperary and Abbeyleix, County Laois. It passes through the village of Clonmore, County Tipperary and Errill, County Laois and the towns of Rathdowney and Ballycolla, between which it forms junction 3 of the M8 Cork-Dublin... ); Ballacolla, Durrow Durrow, County Laois Durrow is a small town located in south County Laois, Ireland. Bypassed by the M8 motorway on 28 May 2010, the town is located on the R639 road at its junction with the N77. The river Erkina flows through Durrow and joins the River Nore about 1.5 km east of the town... (R434 R434 road The R434 road is a regional road in Ireland linking Borris-in-Ossory on the N7 national primary road to Durrow on the R639. En route it passes through Aghaboe and Ballycolla, and over both the M7 and M8 motorways. The entire route is within County Laois.... ) |
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Abbeyleix Abbeyleix Abbeyleix is a town in County Laois, Ireland about from Portlaoise and located on the N77 national secondary route. Formerly the N8 National Primary Route ran through the centre of the town, making Abbeyleix an infamous bottleneck on the Dublin-Cork corridor with up to 15,000 vehicles passing... , Rathdowney Rathdowney Rathdowney or Rathdowny is a town in southwest County Laois, Ireland. It lies some 32 km southwest of Portlaoise in the Irish Midlands, at the point where the R433 regional road from Abbeyleix to Templemore is crossed by the R435 from Borris-in-Ossory to Johnstown... , Templemore Templemore Templemore is a town in North Tipperary, Ireland. It is a civil parish in the historical barony of Eliogarty. It is part of the Roman Catholic parish of Templemore, Clonmore and Killea.... (R433 R433 road The R433 road is a regional road in Ireland linking Templemore, County Tipperary and Abbeyleix, County Laois. It passes through the village of Clonmore, County Tipperary and Errill, County Laois and the towns of Rathdowney and Ballycolla, between which it forms junction 3 of the M8 Cork-Dublin... ); Ballacolla, Durrow Durrow, County Laois Durrow is a small town located in south County Laois, Ireland. Bypassed by the M8 motorway on 28 May 2010, the town is located on the R639 road at its junction with the N77. The river Erkina flows through Durrow and joins the River Nore about 1.5 km east of the town... (R434 R434 road The R434 road is a regional road in Ireland linking Borris-in-Ossory on the N7 national primary road to Durrow on the R639. En route it passes through Aghaboe and Ballycolla, and over both the M7 and M8 motorways. The entire route is within County Laois.... ) |
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| Urlingford Urlingford Urlingford is a town in the barony of Galmoy, County Kilkenny, Ireland.The town lies on the R639. The M8 motorway runs just west of the town, from which both Urlingford and nearby Johnstown are accessed via junction four. Urlingford is a bus hub, with major operator JJ Kavanagh and Sons based there... , Johnstown Johnstown, County Kilkenny Johnstown , historically known as Coorthafooka , is a village in County Kilkenny, Ireland. Bypassed in December 2008 by the M8, the town lies at the junction of the R639, the R502 and the R435 regional roads. It is the home of the Fenians GAA hurling club... (R639 R639 road The R639 road is one of Ireland's regional roads. Once designated the N8 national primary road , it was reclassified in stages as the R639 following the progressive opening of sections of the M8 motorway, which rendered the single carriageway N8 redundant as a national primary road... ); Kilkenny Kilkenny Kilkenny is a city and is the county town of the eponymous County Kilkenny in Ireland. It is situated on both banks of the River Nore in the province of Leinster, in the south-east of Ireland... (R693 R693 road The R693 road is a regional road in Ireland linking Urlingford to Kilkenny City, all in County Kilkenny. It passes through the small town of Freshford en route.The road is long.-References:* – Department of Transport... ) |
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Urlingford Urlingford Urlingford is a town in the barony of Galmoy, County Kilkenny, Ireland.The town lies on the R639. The M8 motorway runs just west of the town, from which both Urlingford and nearby Johnstown are accessed via junction four. Urlingford is a bus hub, with major operator JJ Kavanagh and Sons based there... , Johnstown Johnstown, County Kilkenny Johnstown , historically known as Coorthafooka , is a village in County Kilkenny, Ireland. Bypassed in December 2008 by the M8, the town lies at the junction of the R639, the R502 and the R435 regional roads. It is the home of the Fenians GAA hurling club... (R639 R639 road The R639 road is one of Ireland's regional roads. Once designated the N8 national primary road , it was reclassified in stages as the R639 following the progressive opening of sections of the M8 motorway, which rendered the single carriageway N8 redundant as a national primary road... ); Kilkenny Kilkenny Kilkenny is a city and is the county town of the eponymous County Kilkenny in Ireland. It is situated on both banks of the River Nore in the province of Leinster, in the south-east of Ireland... (R693 R693 road The R693 road is a regional road in Ireland linking Urlingford to Kilkenny City, all in County Kilkenny. It passes through the small town of Freshford en route.The road is long.-References:* – Department of Transport... ) |
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Two-Mile Borris Two-Mile Borris Two-Mile Borris or Twomileborris is a small village in the townland of Borris in North Tipperary, Ireland. The village is located on the L4202 road at the junction with the Ballyduff Road, close to the N75 and from Thurles town centre. It is also situated 1.5 km from junction 5 of the M8... , Thurles Thurles Thurles is a town situated in North Tipperary, Ireland. It is a civil parish in the historical barony of Eliogarty and is also an ecclesiastical parish in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly... (N75 N75 road (Ireland) The N75 road is a national secondary road in Ireland. It runs for its entire length in County Tipperary, east to west from Thurles to its junction with the M8 motorway close to the village of Two-Mile-Borris.The N75 is only in length.-See also:... ) |
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| Horse and Jockey Horse and Jockey Horse and Jockey is a village in North Tipperary, Ireland. It lies on the R639 road, where it meets the N62 road to Thurles. It lies just off junction 6 of the M8 motorway, which by-passed the village in December 2008... (R639 R639 road The R639 road is one of Ireland's regional roads. Once designated the N8 national primary road , it was reclassified in stages as the R639 following the progressive opening of sections of the M8 motorway, which rendered the single carriageway N8 redundant as a national primary road... ); Thurles Thurles Thurles is a town situated in North Tipperary, Ireland. It is a civil parish in the historical barony of Eliogarty and is also an ecclesiastical parish in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly... (N62 N62 road (Ireland) The N62 road is a national secondary road in Ireland. It links the M6 motorway east of Athlone, County Westmeath with junction 6 of the M8 motorway south-east of Thurles in County Tipperary... ) |
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Horse and Jockey Horse and Jockey Horse and Jockey is a village in North Tipperary, Ireland. It lies on the R639 road, where it meets the N62 road to Thurles. It lies just off junction 6 of the M8 motorway, which by-passed the village in December 2008... (R639 R639 road The R639 road is one of Ireland's regional roads. Once designated the N8 national primary road , it was reclassified in stages as the R639 following the progressive opening of sections of the M8 motorway, which rendered the single carriageway N8 redundant as a national primary road... ); Thurles Thurles Thurles is a town situated in North Tipperary, Ireland. It is a civil parish in the historical barony of Eliogarty and is also an ecclesiastical parish in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly... (N62 N62 road (Ireland) The N62 road is a national secondary road in Ireland. It links the M6 motorway east of Athlone, County Westmeath with junction 6 of the M8 motorway south-east of Thurles in County Tipperary... ) |
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| Cashel Cashel, County Tipperary Cashel is a town in South Tipperary in Ireland. Its population was 2936 at the 2006 census. The town gives its name to the ecclesiastical province of Cashel. Additionally, the cathedra of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly was originally in the town prior to the English Reformation.... , Dundrum Dundrum, County Tipperary Dundrum , is a village in the barony of Kilnamanagh Lower, South Tipperary, Ireland .... (R639 R639 road The R639 road is one of Ireland's regional roads. Once designated the N8 national primary road , it was reclassified in stages as the R639 following the progressive opening of sections of the M8 motorway, which rendered the single carriageway N8 redundant as a national primary road... ) |
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Cashel Cashel, County Tipperary Cashel is a town in South Tipperary in Ireland. Its population was 2936 at the 2006 census. The town gives its name to the ecclesiastical province of Cashel. Additionally, the cathedra of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly was originally in the town prior to the English Reformation.... , Dundrum Dundrum, County Tipperary Dundrum , is a village in the barony of Kilnamanagh Lower, South Tipperary, Ireland .... (R639 R639 road The R639 road is one of Ireland's regional roads. Once designated the N8 national primary road , it was reclassified in stages as the R639 following the progressive opening of sections of the M8 motorway, which rendered the single carriageway N8 redundant as a national primary road... ) |
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| Cashel Cashel, County Tipperary Cashel is a town in South Tipperary in Ireland. Its population was 2936 at the 2006 census. The town gives its name to the ecclesiastical province of Cashel. Additionally, the cathedra of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly was originally in the town prior to the English Reformation.... , Clonmel Clonmel Clonmel is the county town of South Tipperary in Ireland. It is the largest town in the county. While the borough had a population of 15,482 in 2006, another 17,008 people were in the rural hinterland. The town is noted in Irish history for its resistance to the Cromwellian army which sacked both... (R692 R692 road The R692 road is a regional road in Ireland linking Cashel, County Tipperary to Callan, County Kilkenny. It passes through Fethard and Mullinahone en route, and meets the M8 motorway 1km east of Cashel.The road is long.-References:... ) |
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Cashel Cashel, County Tipperary Cashel is a town in South Tipperary in Ireland. Its population was 2936 at the 2006 census. The town gives its name to the ecclesiastical province of Cashel. Additionally, the cathedra of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly was originally in the town prior to the English Reformation.... , Clonmel Clonmel Clonmel is the county town of South Tipperary in Ireland. It is the largest town in the county. While the borough had a population of 15,482 in 2006, another 17,008 people were in the rural hinterland. The town is noted in Irish history for its resistance to the Cromwellian army which sacked both... (R692 R692 road The R692 road is a regional road in Ireland linking Cashel, County Tipperary to Callan, County Kilkenny. It passes through Fethard and Mullinahone en route, and meets the M8 motorway 1km east of Cashel.The road is long.-References:... ) |
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| Cashel Cashel, County Tipperary Cashel is a town in South Tipperary in Ireland. Its population was 2936 at the 2006 census. The town gives its name to the ecclesiastical province of Cashel. Additionally, the cathedra of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly was originally in the town prior to the English Reformation.... , New Inn (R639 R639 road The R639 road is one of Ireland's regional roads. Once designated the N8 national primary road , it was reclassified in stages as the R639 following the progressive opening of sections of the M8 motorway, which rendered the single carriageway N8 redundant as a national primary road... ); Tipperary Tipperary Tipperary is a town and a civil parish in South Tipperary in Ireland. Its population was 4,415 at the 2006 census. It is also an ecclesiastical parish in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly, and is in the historical barony of Clanwilliam.... (N74 N74 road (Ireland) The N74 road is a national secondary road in Ireland. It runs for its entire length in County Tipperary, east to west from Cashel to Tipperary town, passing through the villages of Golden, Thomastown and Kilfeakle.The N74 is in length... ) |
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Cashel Cashel, County Tipperary Cashel is a town in South Tipperary in Ireland. Its population was 2936 at the 2006 census. The town gives its name to the ecclesiastical province of Cashel. Additionally, the cathedra of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly was originally in the town prior to the English Reformation.... , New Inn New Inn (Ireland) New Inn is a village in the barony of Middle Third, South Tipperary in Ireland. It is also part of the parish of New Inn & Knockgraffon in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly.-Location and access:... (R639 R639 road The R639 road is one of Ireland's regional roads. Once designated the N8 national primary road , it was reclassified in stages as the R639 following the progressive opening of sections of the M8 motorway, which rendered the single carriageway N8 redundant as a national primary road... ); Tipperary Tipperary Tipperary is a town and a civil parish in South Tipperary in Ireland. Its population was 4,415 at the 2006 census. It is also an ecclesiastical parish in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly, and is in the historical barony of Clanwilliam.... (N74 N74 road (Ireland) The N74 road is a national secondary road in Ireland. It runs for its entire length in County Tipperary, east to west from Cashel to Tipperary town, passing through the villages of Golden, Thomastown and Kilfeakle.The N74 is in length... ) |
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| Cahir Cahir Cahir is a town in South Tipperary in Ireland. The town is best known for its castle and the Swiss Cottage. It is in the barony of Iffa and Offa West.-Location and access:... (R670 R670 road The R670 road is a regional road in Ireland. The route runs from its junction with the R639 and N24 at Cloughabreeda 2 km north of Cahir through Cahir town and onwards for a further 8 km to Ardfinnan, where it joins the R665 road... ); New Inn (R639 R639 road The R639 road is one of Ireland's regional roads. Once designated the N8 national primary road , it was reclassified in stages as the R639 following the progressive opening of sections of the M8 motorway, which rendered the single carriageway N8 redundant as a national primary road... ); Clonmel Clonmel Clonmel is the county town of South Tipperary in Ireland. It is the largest town in the county. While the borough had a population of 15,482 in 2006, another 17,008 people were in the rural hinterland. The town is noted in Irish history for its resistance to the Cromwellian army which sacked both... , Limerick Limerick Limerick is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland, and the principal city of County Limerick and Ireland's Mid-West Region. It is the fifth most populous city in all of Ireland. When taking the extra-municipal suburbs into account, Limerick is the third largest conurbation in the... , Waterford Waterford Waterford is a city in the South-East Region of Ireland. It is the oldest city in the country and fifth largest by population. Waterford City Council is the local government authority for the city and its immediate hinterland... (N24) |
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Cahir Cahir Cahir is a town in South Tipperary in Ireland. The town is best known for its castle and the Swiss Cottage. It is in the barony of Iffa and Offa West.-Location and access:... (R670 R670 road The R670 road is a regional road in Ireland. The route runs from its junction with the R639 and N24 at Cloughabreeda 2 km north of Cahir through Cahir town and onwards for a further 8 km to Ardfinnan, where it joins the R665 road... ); New Inn (R639 R639 road The R639 road is one of Ireland's regional roads. Once designated the N8 national primary road , it was reclassified in stages as the R639 following the progressive opening of sections of the M8 motorway, which rendered the single carriageway N8 redundant as a national primary road... ); Clonmel Clonmel Clonmel is the county town of South Tipperary in Ireland. It is the largest town in the county. While the borough had a population of 15,482 in 2006, another 17,008 people were in the rural hinterland. The town is noted in Irish history for its resistance to the Cromwellian army which sacked both... , Limerick Limerick Limerick is the third largest city in the Republic of Ireland, and the principal city of County Limerick and Ireland's Mid-West Region. It is the fifth most populous city in all of Ireland. When taking the extra-municipal suburbs into account, Limerick is the third largest conurbation in the... , Waterford Waterford Waterford is a city in the South-East Region of Ireland. It is the oldest city in the country and fifth largest by population. Waterford City Council is the local government authority for the city and its immediate hinterland... (N24) |
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| Cahir Cahir Cahir is a town in South Tipperary in Ireland. The town is best known for its castle and the Swiss Cottage. It is in the barony of Iffa and Offa West.-Location and access:... , Mitchelstown Cave |
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Cahir Cahir Cahir is a town in South Tipperary in Ireland. The town is best known for its castle and the Swiss Cottage. It is in the barony of Iffa and Offa West.-Location and access:... , Mitchelstown Cave |
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| Kilbeheny Kilbeheny Kilbehenny is a village in County Limerick, Ireland, on the R639 regional road. It is situated on the County Cork border and is within two kilometers of the County Tipperary border... (R639); Mitchelstown Mitchelstown Mitchelstown is a town in County Cork, Ireland with a population of approximately 3300. Mitchelstown is situated in the valley to the south of the Galtee Mountains close to the Mitchelstown Caves and is 28 km from Cahir, 50 km from Cork and 59 km from Limerick... (N73 N73 road (Ireland) The N73 road is a national secondary road in Ireland. It is made up entirely of single carriageway with few overtaking opportunities and only a small amount of hard shoulder.-Route:... ) |
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Kilbeheny Kilbeheny Kilbehenny is a village in County Limerick, Ireland, on the R639 regional road. It is situated on the County Cork border and is within two kilometers of the County Tipperary border... (R639 R639 road The R639 road is one of Ireland's regional roads. Once designated the N8 national primary road , it was reclassified in stages as the R639 following the progressive opening of sections of the M8 motorway, which rendered the single carriageway N8 redundant as a national primary road... ); Mitchelstown Mitchelstown Mitchelstown is a town in County Cork, Ireland with a population of approximately 3300. Mitchelstown is situated in the valley to the south of the Galtee Mountains close to the Mitchelstown Caves and is 28 km from Cahir, 50 km from Cork and 59 km from Limerick... , Mallow Mallow, County Cork Mallow is the "Crossroads of Munster" and the administrative capital of north County Cork, in Ireland. The Northern Divisional Offices of Cork County Council are located in the town.... (N73 N73 road (Ireland) The N73 road is a national secondary road in Ireland. It is made up entirely of single carriageway with few overtaking opportunities and only a small amount of hard shoulder.-Route:... ) |
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| Mitchelstown Mitchelstown Mitchelstown is a town in County Cork, Ireland with a population of approximately 3300. Mitchelstown is situated in the valley to the south of the Galtee Mountains close to the Mitchelstown Caves and is 28 km from Cahir, 50 km from Cork and 59 km from Limerick... (R639 R639 road The R639 road is one of Ireland's regional roads. Once designated the N8 national primary road , it was reclassified in stages as the R639 following the progressive opening of sections of the M8 motorway, which rendered the single carriageway N8 redundant as a national primary road... ); Mallow Mallow, County Cork Mallow is the "Crossroads of Munster" and the administrative capital of north County Cork, in Ireland. The Northern Divisional Offices of Cork County Council are located in the town.... (N73 N73 road (Ireland) The N73 road is a national secondary road in Ireland. It is made up entirely of single carriageway with few overtaking opportunities and only a small amount of hard shoulder.-Route:... ) |
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Mitchelstown Mitchelstown Mitchelstown is a town in County Cork, Ireland with a population of approximately 3300. Mitchelstown is situated in the valley to the south of the Galtee Mountains close to the Mitchelstown Caves and is 28 km from Cahir, 50 km from Cork and 59 km from Limerick... (R639 R639 road The R639 road is one of Ireland's regional roads. Once designated the N8 national primary road , it was reclassified in stages as the R639 following the progressive opening of sections of the M8 motorway, which rendered the single carriageway N8 redundant as a national primary road... ) |
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| Fermoy Fermoy Fermoy is a town in County Cork, Ireland. It is situated on the River Blackwater in the south of Ireland. Its population is some 5,800 inhabitants, environs included .... , Kilworth Kilworth Kilworth is a village in north County Cork. It is also one half of the parish of "Kilworth and Araglin" in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cloyne.-Loation and access:... (R639 R639 road The R639 road is one of Ireland's regional roads. Once designated the N8 national primary road , it was reclassified in stages as the R639 following the progressive opening of sections of the M8 motorway, which rendered the single carriageway N8 redundant as a national primary road... ) |
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Fermoy Fermoy Fermoy is a town in County Cork, Ireland. It is situated on the River Blackwater in the south of Ireland. Its population is some 5,800 inhabitants, environs included .... , Kilworth Kilworth Kilworth is a village in north County Cork. It is also one half of the parish of "Kilworth and Araglin" in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Cloyne.-Loation and access:... (R639 R639 road The R639 road is one of Ireland's regional roads. Once designated the N8 national primary road , it was reclassified in stages as the R639 following the progressive opening of sections of the M8 motorway, which rendered the single carriageway N8 redundant as a national primary road... ) |
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| Fermoy Fermoy Fermoy is a town in County Cork, Ireland. It is situated on the River Blackwater in the south of Ireland. Its population is some 5,800 inhabitants, environs included .... , Rathcormac Rathcormac Rathcormac is a small town in north County Cork, Ireland. Previously situated on the main Cork to Dublin road , it was bypassed in 2006 by the M8. The former N8 through Main St is now the R639 regional road.-Amenities:... (R639 R639 road The R639 road is one of Ireland's regional roads. Once designated the N8 national primary road , it was reclassified in stages as the R639 following the progressive opening of sections of the M8 motorway, which rendered the single carriageway N8 redundant as a national primary road... ) |
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Fermoy Fermoy Fermoy is a town in County Cork, Ireland. It is situated on the River Blackwater in the south of Ireland. Its population is some 5,800 inhabitants, environs included .... (R639 R639 road The R639 road is one of Ireland's regional roads. Once designated the N8 national primary road , it was reclassified in stages as the R639 following the progressive opening of sections of the M8 motorway, which rendered the single carriageway N8 redundant as a national primary road... ) |
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| Rathcormac Rathcormac Rathcormac is a small town in north County Cork, Ireland. Previously situated on the main Cork to Dublin road , it was bypassed in 2006 by the M8. The former N8 through Main St is now the R639 regional road.-Amenities:... (R639 R639 road The R639 road is one of Ireland's regional roads. Once designated the N8 national primary road , it was reclassified in stages as the R639 following the progressive opening of sections of the M8 motorway, which rendered the single carriageway N8 redundant as a national primary road... ; exit only) |
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| Watergrasshill Watergrasshill Watergrasshill is a small town in County Cork, Province of Munster, Ireland. The 2006 census recorded a population of 1,068.Bypassed in 2003, the town is situated on the R639 road. It is accessible via junction 17 of the M8 motorway... (R639 R639 road The R639 road is one of Ireland's regional roads. Once designated the N8 national primary road , it was reclassified in stages as the R639 following the progressive opening of sections of the M8 motorway, which rendered the single carriageway N8 redundant as a national primary road... ) |
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Watergrasshill Watergrasshill Watergrasshill is a small town in County Cork, Province of Munster, Ireland. The 2006 census recorded a population of 1,068.Bypassed in 2003, the town is situated on the R639 road. It is accessible via junction 17 of the M8 motorway... (R639 R639 road The R639 road is one of Ireland's regional roads. Once designated the N8 national primary road , it was reclassified in stages as the R639 following the progressive opening of sections of the M8 motorway, which rendered the single carriageway N8 redundant as a national primary road... ) |
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| Glanmire Glanmire Glanmire literally meaning ‘The valley of the small fish; The valley of the ploughed land:' The Still Vale: The Valley of the Young Fish) is a town in County Cork, Ireland with a population of 15,498.... (R639 R639 road The R639 road is one of Ireland's regional roads. Once designated the N8 national primary road , it was reclassified in stages as the R639 following the progressive opening of sections of the M8 motorway, which rendered the single carriageway N8 redundant as a national primary road... ) |
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Glanmire Glanmire Glanmire literally meaning ‘The valley of the small fish; The valley of the ploughed land:' The Still Vale: The Valley of the Young Fish) is a town in County Cork, Ireland with a population of 15,498.... (R639 R639 road The R639 road is one of Ireland's regional roads. Once designated the N8 national primary road , it was reclassified in stages as the R639 following the progressive opening of sections of the M8 motorway, which rendered the single carriageway N8 redundant as a national primary road... ) |
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Cork, Waterford Waterford Waterford is a city in the South-East Region of Ireland. It is the oldest city in the country and fifth largest by population. Waterford City Council is the local government authority for the city and its immediate hinterland... , N25 Carrigtwohill-Cobh Interchange N25 Carrigtwohill-Cobh Interchange The N25 Carrigtwohill-Cobh Interchange is an interchange between the N25 road , the R624 road and the R623 road, located in Tullagreen. The interchange is used when coming from Cork City, Midleton, Waterford City and Rosslare.... , Midleton Midleton Midleton, historically Middleton , is a town in south-eastern County Cork, Ireland. It lies some 22 km east of Cork City on the Owenacurra River and the N25 road, which connects Cork to the port of Rosslare... , Youghal Youghal Youghal is a town in County Cork, Ireland. Sitting on the estuary of the River Blackwater, in the past it was militarily and economically important. Being built on the edge of a steep riverbank, the town has a distinctive long and narrow layout... , Jack Lynch Tunnel Jack Lynch Tunnel The Jack Lynch Tunnel is an immersed tube tunnel and an integral part of the N25 southern ring road of Cork in Ireland. It is named after former Taoiseach, Jack Lynch, a native of Cork.... (N25) |
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Roadside Art on M8
Roadside art is funded under the Percentage For Arts Scheme where 1% of the scheme budget is allocated to roadside art with a cap of €63,000. The local authorities decide on a theme and are responsible for commissioning the work, usually by open competition. There are several examples along the M8.- Na hArd Rithe. On the CashelCashel, County TipperaryCashel is a town in South Tipperary in Ireland. Its population was 2936 at the 2006 census. The town gives its name to the ecclesiastical province of Cashel. Additionally, the cathedra of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly was originally in the town prior to the English Reformation....
bypass stand metal figures representing the High Kings of Munster. Artist Orla de Bri created (2004) these figures of gold, bronze, steel and cement.
Future
Proposed service areas
The National Roads AuthorityNational Roads Authority
The National Roads Authority is a state body in the Republic of Ireland, responsible for the national road network. The NRA was established as part of the Roads Act 1993 and commenced operations on 23 December 1993 in accordance with S.I. 407 of 1993.County councils remain responsible for local...
(NRA) has planned the construction of motorway service areas
Rest area
A rest area, travel plaza, rest stop, or service area is a public facility, located next to a large thoroughfare such as a highway, expressway, or freeway at which drivers and passengers can rest, eat, or refuel without exiting on to secondary roads...
at approximately 60-kilometre intervals along each of Ireland's interurban routes. Under this plan, the M8 will have two such areas. One will be located between junctions 6 and 7, while the other will be sited between junctions 13 and 14. The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the service area north of Cashel was published in mid-February 2009, while the Notice of the Compulsory Purchase of land for the service area was advertised on 31 August 2010. The EIS for the remaining service area at Kilworth has yet to be published.
N22 North Ring Road link-up
The National Roads AuthorityNational Roads Authority
The National Roads Authority is a state body in the Republic of Ireland, responsible for the national road network. The NRA was established as part of the Roads Act 1993 and commenced operations on 23 December 1993 in accordance with S.I. 407 of 1993.County councils remain responsible for local...
published a proposal to link the M8 at junction 18 with the proposed N22 'North Ring Road' for Cork city in late 2008. The proposed junction, which would be free-flow in both directions, would effectively convert the M8 between junctions 18 and 19 into one segment of the envisaged 360-degree ring road around Cork.
See also
- Roads in IrelandRoads in IrelandThe island of Ireland, comprising Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, has an extensive network of tens of thousands of kilometres of public roads, usually surfaced. These roads have been developed and modernised over centuries, from trackways suitable only for walkers and horses, to...
- Motorways in the Republic of IrelandMotorways in the Republic of IrelandIn Ireland, the highest category of road is a Motorway , indicated by the prefix M followed by one or two digits...
- National primary roadNational primary roadA national primary road is a road classification in the Republic of Ireland. National primary roads form the major routes between the major urban centres. There are over 2,700km of national primary roads. This category of road has the prefix "N" followed by one or two digits...
- National secondary roadNational secondary roadA national secondary road is a category of road in Ireland. These roads form an important part of the national route network, but are secondary to the main arterial routes which are classified as national primary roads. National secondary roads are designated with route numbers higher than those...
- Trunk Roads in IrelandTrunk Roads in IrelandIreland has an extensive network of public roads which connect all parts of the country with each other. Roads in Ireland are currently classified as motorways, National Primary routes, National secondary routes, Regional roads and Local roads. The introduction of this classification system began...
- History of roads in IrelandHistory of Roads in IrelandThere have been routes and trackways in Ireland connecting settlements and facilitating trade since ancient times and the country now has an extensive network of public roads connecting all parts of the island.-Early history:...
- National Development PlanNational Development PlanNational Development Plan is the title given by the Irish Government to a scheme of organised large-scale expenditure on national infrastructure. The period covered by the seven year plan runs from 2000 to 2006. A second National Development Plan is currently in progress and is due to run until...
- Transport 21Transport 21Transport 21 is an Irish infrastructure plan, announced in November 2005. It aims to greatly expand Ireland's transport network. A cost estimate of €34 billion was attached to the plan at the time....