Ballincollig roadworks causing major traffic disruption
Construction of the Ballincollig Green Route began in November 2008 with the aim of providing bus corridors, cycle lanes and improved pedestrian facilities.
However, the roadworks have been causing tailbacks up to 6.5km long on the Ballincollig to Macroom road, and delays of more than 30 minutes to Innishmore from the West End roundabout.
The situation is said to have worsened since the start of the new school term, as Innishmore is home to Ballincollig Community School, the Church of Christ Our Light, Scoil Barra and Our Lady of Good Counsel, as well as two industrial estates.
Local business owner Oliver O’Connor claimed the delays were deterring people from entering Ballincollig and damaging business in the area as a result.
“There are five routes coming into the junction at Ballincollig and it is taking people 45 minutes to drive about 500 yards as a result of the roadworks.
“It is doing serious damage to the shops here and the traffic is after getting worse now with the children back at school. I have never seen anything like it,” he said.
The works were due to be completed before the start of September, however, it is expected that it may now take up to a month for the situation to improve.
