A new tunnel under the Shannon river is helping freight forwarders and logistics operators to reduce transit times. The tunnel, which was opened in July, connects the M7 (Dublin), the M20 (Cork) and the M18 Shannon Airport/Galway routes. 40 000 fewer vehicles per day will run through Limerick due to the tunnel. Freight Forwarders based in Shannon will no longer face transit times of 4 – 5 hours to Dublin hub. These developments are welcomed by the Irish Road Haulage Industry.