Port plan: NRA has no start date for upgrade

Objectors to the Port of Cork’s plans for a €100m expansion of its terminal in Ringaskiddy have expressed shock and anger at a revelation that the National Roads Authority does not know when it will upgrade roads to service the development.

NRA officials admitted to a Bord Pleanála oral hearing they had no firm details about a start date to upgrade the Jack Lynch Tunnel/Dunkettle interchange or when a road will be built to Ringaskiddy to replace the existing N28. They may, however, be able to provide clarity on these issues by the year end.

Day five of the hearing was told both projects were dependent on government funding being made available. Under an EU agreement, the State was legally obliged to have them completed by 2030.