‘Inadequate infrastructure hampering Cork business’

The success of Cork businesses is being undermined by a number of infrastructural deficits in the region that need to be urgently addressed, a leading business representative body has claimed.

A wide array of infrastructural issues exist in the area including its road network; the surrounding water and wastewater systems; and broadband capacity which are either not fit for purpose or inadequate, say Ibec.

The damning assessment of the city’s infrastructure follows years of chronic under-investment and ahead of an expected capital investment plan that the government is due to publish shortly and which should cater for the pressing needs of the country’s second city.

“For the Cork region to deliver on its growth potential, it needs world-class infrastructure. Our current road, port, environmental and broadband infrastructure is either not fit for purpose or inadequate to meet future demand,” Ibec Cork regional director Peter O’Shaughnessy said.

“Now is the time to invest ambitiously and Cork business is calling on Government to provide funding for a number of key infrastructure projects in the region which will ultimately ensure a handsome return for the state” Among the major projects which should be prioritised are :

• The Dunkettle Interchange
• M20 Cork to Limerick motorway
• N28 Cork to Ringaskiddy upgrade
• Mallow Northern Relief Road
• Macroom N22 bypass