Building of the longest single section of the Dublin to Limerick road was formally launched today.
Minister for Transport Martin Cullen was in Co Tipperary where he turned the sod on the 38-kilometre N7 Nenagh/Limerick road project that is due for completion by summer 2009.
The project comprises 28 kilometres of dual carriageway built to motorway standard and the upgrading of 10 kilometres of the Nenagh bypass to dual carriageway standard.
There will be a new 10-kilometre road from the village of Birdhill to the new carriageway, and further interchanges at Newport, Carrigatogher and Thurles.
The new road will link the Limerick Southern Ring Road with the existing Nenagh bypass.
Mr Cullen described the road as a key link between the south west, mid west and Dublin.
"In addition to the road improvements making travelling much easier for thousands of drivers each day, the upgrade of the road will be of great benefit to the people of North Tipperary and Limerick reducing journey times and giving greater journey time certainty.
"The new improved road, when complete, will enhance the daily commute from towns like Nenagh and Roscrea to Limerick city for work and this in turn will attract more people to live in this region thus benefiting all the local communities," Mr Cullen said.
Traffic volume on the N7 approach to Limerick, is around 25,000 vehicles per day and around 13,000 vehicles a day around Nenagh.
Mr Cullen also said the contract was being prepared for 37 kilometres of dual carriageway on the N7, Nenagh to Castletown, Co Laois.