NRA officials vow to lobby for regional road improvements

Senior NRA officials have pledged to lobby for major improvements on the only national route in the tourist haven of West Cork.

County councillors in Cork claim the road was of such poor quality, it was holding back the economic development of the region.

Tony Mullane, a senior official with the NRA, based in Cork, heard Cllr Donal O’Rourke (FF) demand, in particular, a major realignment of the N71 between Bandon and Clonakilty.

The section is regarded as a gateway to West Cork but, in its entirety, the region’s sole national secondary road runs from Bishopstown roundabout to Kenmare, via Bandon, Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Ballydehob, Bantry and Glengarriff.

The region, despite its tourism significance, has no national primary roadway.

Mr O’Rourke said, on several other sections, the N71 required passing lanes.

He congratulated the NRA for agreeing to upgrade the Clonakilty bypass and for its efforts, as part of that project, to address some drainage problems which might help prevent future flooding in the town.

Mr O’Rourke was supported by a number of other West Cork-based councillors.

They agreed to write to Oireachtas members in the region asking them to attend a meeting on the future development of the road, which will be held next month.

Councillors hope to win their support to further lobby NRA officials in Dublin.

Meanwhile, they also expressed concern at the lack of suitable signage to West Cork on the main roads leading out of Cork City and Kerry.

Cllr Dermot Sheehan (FG) said, as soon as motorists got on to the N71, they were being urged to head for Killarney instead of parts of West Cork.

“It’s almost like anyone who strays into the N71 is being directed out of it nearly straight away,” he said. “On the other hand, if you go to Killarney, West Cork isn’t highlighted as much.”

Cllr Danny Crowley (FF) said motorists coming through the Jack Lynch Tunnel would not see a sign for West Cork.

“But there’s a sign for Tralee — it doesn’t make a lot of sense,” he said.

Councillors also urged Mr Mullane to ensure more signs pointed to the region.

Cllr Christopher O’Sullivan (FF) said councillors could also lobby for this through discussions which are taking place over the drawing up of the new Atlantic Way tourist route.