R445 Road - R445 Sections Between Portlaoise and Limerick

R445 Sections Between Portlaoise and Limerick

In 2010 all of the old N7 route between Portlaoise and Limerick was replaced with motorway and was reclassified as R445. The first section through Mountrath, Castletown and Borris-in-Ossory was reclassified in May 2010 followed the opening of the M7/M8 tolled motorway.

Following the bypass of Nenagh in 2000, and resulting realignment of the N7, the old route through the town was reclassified as part of the R445. The R445 passes through Nenagh via the Dublin Road, Thomas McDonagh Street, Pierce Street, Kickham Street, Ash Road and Clare Street. The route meets the N52 west of Nenagh. From the Carrigatogher Roundabout the R445 leaves the N52 road and continues along the old N7 route to Birdhill which was redesignated in April 2010. The route between Birdhill and Annacotty was redesignated as R445 in September 2010 following the opening of the Birdhill to Limerick section of the M7.

On 22 December 2010, following the opening of the M7 Castletown to Nenagh motorway project the old N7 route was reclassified as R445 from Borris-in-Ossory to Nenagh and the route continues through the towns of Roscrea, Moneygall and Toomevara.