Bypass ‘worth €90m to Mallow’

A consultancy report, which shows that a bypass route, on the northern side of Mallow, would be worth €90m to the north Cork town, has been delivered to Transport and Tourism Minister, Paschal Donohue.

The report was completed by Indecon International Economic Consultants. It was commissioned by the Mallow Representative Group (MRG), a collaboration between Mallow Chamber of Commerce, Mallow Development Partnership, local industries and businesses.

The minister recently ruled out a proposed bypass for the traffic-choked town. But it is hoped the report, which also has the backing of Cork County Council, will change his mind.

A spokesman for MRG said: “The clear employment and economic benefits cannot be ignored. The Government should now give a vote of confidence in Mallow, and its environs, by including this vitally important project in its capital programme and allowing it to proceed to the planning stage.”

The report said the bypass would commercially revitalise the town centre by removing heavy vehicles from the main thoroughfare. It would also reduce journey times and increase retail trade, as well as maximising local and regional connectivity.

The consultants said the bypass would be vital in the development and expansion of the agri-food sector and in protecting associated employment potential. Furthermore, the experts said a new route would enhance the marketability and attractiveness of the Mallow area for foreign and indigenous investment.

It would also enhance tourism in the region.

In compiling the report, a series of consultations and surveys were undertaken to gauge local business views.

Many local traders believe a bypass could result in an overall employment increase of between 5% and 10% in the town. The consultants said that was significant, since Mallow had suffered considerably from business closures and the recent economic gloom.

From a low of 680 in May, 2005, the numbers of registered unemployed in Mallow increased four-fold, to 2,985 in mid-2010. Unemployment remains high, with April figures showing 2,000 people on the live register.

Retailers further advised the consultants that it was difficult for companies to provide delivery services in the traffic-bottleneck town.

They said traffic congestion had also stopped many businesses investing or upgrading, as their future was uncertain, due to slowing retail in Mallow.

“The bypass would enhance the town itself, as well as reducing travel times from west to the north and south-east,” said an MRG spokesman said.

MRG called on Minister Donohoe to include the project in the Government’s Capital Investment Programme, and also requested the National Roads Authority to re-active the proposed N72/N73 Mallow bypass project.

“The Mallow bypass has the support of all TDs and political representatives in the area and we are now looking for formal government backing for the project,” a spokesman said.