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The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Shane Ross, TD, along with Minister Griffin, announce the Government’s approval to allow Cork County Council, under the direction of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), to award the main construction contract for the N22 Baile Bhuirne to Macroom Road Project.
This project was identified for progression under Project Ireland 2040, comprising the National Planning Framework (NPF), which outlines the spatial strategy for the Country to 2040 and the National Development Plan (NDP) 2018 – 2027.
This project will deliver many benefits for County Cork, including:
• Improved safety by reducing the frequency and severity of collisions and casualties on the N22;
• Reduced journey times and better journey time certainty for traffic travelling between Cork and Killarney/Tralee, thus supporting economic growth in the region;
• Improved balanced regional development and inter-urban connectivity by efficiently diverting national traffic away from the town centre of Macroom, while retaining sufficient access for local traffic to Macroom;
• Enable the town of Macroom to focus on sustainable transport policies to create shorter commutes and to develop safe pleasant pedestrian routes for the benefit of both locals and tourists; and
• Provide an improved public transport corridor on the N22 route.
This is a significant investment of €280 million into Ireland’s National Road Network. When complete, this project will delivery enhanced regional accessibility and connectivity which will help to strengthen rural economies and communities, which is one of the Government’s key objectives under project Ireland 2040.
Statement from Minister Ross:- “I am delighted that I have acquired Government approval for the Baile Bhuirne to Macroom national road project. Importantly, a key objective of this project will be to improve road safety and reduce fatalities on the N22 which is one of the highest fatal and serious collision routes in the Country. As a primary objective of improving our road network, there can be no better reason for investing in our road infrastructure than saving lives. In the broader context, it will also improve the lives of so many people working, visiting and engaging in business activities in the region.
The need for this road has been well recorded over the years. It is a busy route that is not just needed in Macroom and the rest of North Cork, but by people in the wider Kerry community as well. It is the main route between the two counties.
I very much welcome the start of the main construction contract for this project and wish Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), in conjunction with Cork County Council, every success in delivering this important project for the South West Region.”
Statement from Minister Griffin:- I am glad to have worked hard from within Government to help secure approval of this significant national road project for the South West region of the Country . The N22 project further opens up the National Road Network in the Country, providing a better connection for traffic travelling between Cork and Kerry. I also welcome the benefits that this project will deliver, such as connecting rural communities and improved inter-urban accessibility for the South West region and my home County.
Michael Nolan:- CEO of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) stated: “This is a very welcome announcement and TII looks forward to working with Cork County Council to deliver this project.
Notes to the Editor:-
Background Information
• The N22 is a National Primary route which runs from Cork City to Tralee. It is a TEN-T Comprehensive route which passes through several towns and villages, including Macroom, Baile Bhuirne, and Baile Mhic Ire in County Cork. The current route is a mixture of single carriageway widths, with no hard shoulders or verges along many sections.
• Macroom is prone to congestion and traffic jams at peak hours. Along the existing N22 there are many accesses and junctions which have inadequate sight distance. Overtaking opportunities along the route are limited. In recent years, the high accident rates continue, with the N22 ranking as one of the highest fatal and serious collision routes in the Country.
• The proposed new road development commences to the west of Baile Bhuirne, tying into the existing N22 on the main Cork/Killarney/Tralee route. The route then bypasses the town of Macroom before crossing the River Laney and River Sullane and re-joins the existing N22 at Coolcour. The road development comprises:-
• Approximately 22km of Type-2 Dual carriageway,
• Three compact grade separated junctions,
• Six Roundabouts (Five off-line),
• Four river bridges,
• Seventeen road bridges.
ENDS