Private sector help needed to fund vital infrastructure
However, the private sector is unlikely to be able to do anything about €1.6 billion needed for proposed new roads in the Co Cork plans, which are likely to remain mothballed during the recession.
That’s according to county manager Martin Riordan who told members of Cork Chamber of Commerce that belts would have to be tightened and alliances made in order to get projects completed in the coming years.
Only one major road project is being undertaken in the county at present, he said. That is the Fermoy-Mitchelstown road which should be completed next year.
Outside of that, no funding has been made available for other major road projects in the county.
While the council has detailed plans for a number of roads, which will cost €1.6 million to complete, the NRA hasn’t promised any money.
With the present state of the economy, Mr Riordan knows it’s unlikely much will be forthcoming,
He predicted there would be “a dogfight” for any bit of the financial cake that was left.
Therefore, he proposes that the most important road project, which would bring the best financial return, would be the proposed Atlantic corridor from the north-west down to Cork.
“We should push for the Cork-Limerick section to be done first. We have to build alliances [with Limerick] to reposition ourselves,” Mr Riordan told a chamber breakfast briefing sponsored by the Irish Examiner.
The manager added that an alliance between the cities would prove fruitful. Between them the two cities have four third-level colleges, two airports, two ports and are connected by rail.
“The local economic impact can’t be underestimated. But it is important we manage it,” Mr Riordan said.
The manager pointed out that council officials had sought funding for a number of water supply projects, but “received very negative vibes” from the Department of Environment.
Therefore, he proposed businesses would work with the council to get these projects going.
He said this would create further housing and enable the county to maximise its potential and hopefully reach the CASP 2020 target of an additional 110,000 in population and the 45,000 new jobs.
Mr Riordan is likely to outline what cuts are coming in the county council’s budget when councillors meet in County Hall in two weeks’ time.
€1.6 billion in road projects needed for Cork include:
* The northern relief road connecting the Glanmire bypass with the Ballincollig bypass and Bandon road.
* The creation of an N28 dual carriageway between Cork and Ringaskiddy.
* The Ovens-Ballyvourney scheme, including the Macroom bypass.
* Upgrading the Cork-Limerick road.
