Client
National Roads Authority (now Transport Infrastructure Ireland)
Location
County Laois, Ireland
M7/M8 Portlaoise to Cullahill/Castletown Motorway
The M7/M8 Portlaoise to Cullahill/Castletown PPP Motorway Scheme completed the final section of the M8 motorway from Dublin to Cork, while also delivering a significant section of the M7 Dublin to Limerick corridor. Opened in May 2010, the 41km scheme transformed journey times across Ireland’s midlands, south and midwest - reducing peak journey times between Dublin and Cork by up to 45 minutes.
Financial Close
June 2007
Construction Period
2007-2010
Concession Period
30 years
Handback
2037
Client
National Roads Authority (now Transport Infrastructure Ireland)
Location
County Laois, Ireland
Sponsor/Investor
Invesis (as BAM PPP)
Consortium
Celtic Roads Group (CRG) Portlaoise Ltd - BAM PPP, Iridium and NTR plc
Engineering Procurement and Construction
BAM Civil / Dragados SA joint venture
Operations and Maintenance
Midlink Ltd
Financial Adviser
European Investment Bank; Bank of Ireland, Société Générale and ING Bank
Capital Value
€491m
Supporting the National Roads Authority to complete the Dublin to Cork motorway corridor
The M7/M8 is part of the National Roads Authority’s PPP Programme, delivering the final connection in the M8 Dublin to Cork Major Interurban Corridor. Funded jointly by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan and the European Union through its TEN-T Networks budget, the scheme represents a capital investment of €491 million. It bypasses the towns of Abbeyleix, Durrow and Cullahill on the M8 and Mountrath, Castletown and Borris-in-Ossory on the M7
The Celtic Roads Group consortium - comprising Invesis (as BAM PPP), Iridium and NTR plc - was appointed by the National Roads Authority following a rigorous procurement process. The concession runs for 30 years to 2037. Construction was undertaken by a BAM Civil and Dragados SA joint venture employing approximately 500 people at peak, delivering the full scheme four months ahead of the original programme.
Protecting the environment and uncovering Ireland’s past
Particular care was taken throughout construction to protect environmental and archaeological assets along the 41km route. Prior to construction, extensive archaeological excavations revealed 88 sites spanning Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age and medieval periods - including a significant early medieval cemetery at Parknahown near Cullahill.
Environmental measures included wildlife crossings beneath the motorway for badgers, foxes and other mammals, water management infrastructure with over 40 attenuation ponds incorporating silt traps and pollution interceptors, and regular consultation with ecologists to protect sensitive habitats including the Kilnaseer Fen. Extensive landscaping, including tree and shrub planting, was carried out throughout the construction programme.
A lasting contribution to connectivity and economic growth
The M7/M8 now carries over 15,000 vehicles daily, supporting economic growth and improved connectivity across County Laois and the wider midlands region. The scheme links the midlands, south and midwest to Dublin and the east through a high quality, reliable road transport corridor - improving access for businesses, communities and freight operators across the region.
Invesis continues to manage the concession through to 2037, with Midlink Ltd providing day-to-day operations and maintenance from their facility at Fatharnagh, Portlaoise. Activities include structural and pavement maintenance, drainage and lighting inspections, and winter gritting operations across the full 41km route.
