With the announcement this week that six route options are to go on display to the public within the next fortnight, farmers and householders are bracing themselves to see if their own patch of land will be affected.

"There is desperate fear around here about the routes," said Gerald Quain, a farmer in Cregane, near Charleville.

"My own land is already cut in two by the current road and this road could go straight through it again dividing it further," he continued.

A total of six route corridor options have been identified which are to be put on public display over the coming weeks at venues along the route to obtain the views of the public and to review any significant issues or items of concern arising.

A study of a graphic outlining the six route options shows areas including Banogue, Croagh, Athlacca, Garryfine and Rockhill, all intersected by either one, or more, of the route options.

According to the National Roads Authority however, it is too early to specify whether there will be compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) to facilitate the new motorway.

"We have to examine a number of elements including impact on the environment and impact on infrastructure; and through public consultation choose the route which will minimise disruption to these elements. Each option presents its own benefits and challenges," an NRA spokesman said.

The route corridor options will be put on public display at Charleville Park Hotel on Thursday July 27 next and at Fitzgerald's Woodlands House Hotel, Adare on Friday July 18 from 12.30pm to 8pm.