Toll road opens eight months ahead of schedule

The country’s latest toll road opened in Co Cork today eight months ahead of schedule designed to take 17,000 vehicles a day out of Fermoy town centre.

The M8 Rathcormac/Fermoy bypass will shave 30 minutes off the journey time between Cork and Dublin but at a cost of €1.60 for car users.

Minister for Transport Martin Cullen said it would be of great benefit to local people and businesses.

“This new bypass will make a major difference to everyone who uses the Dublin to Cork Route and will change the transport experience in a positive way for thousands of people every day,” he said.

The 33km dual carriageway runs from the Dunkettle roundabout outside Cork city to north of Fermoy.

But amid fears locals would be hit hardest by the toll, the National Roads Authority assured motorists they will have an alternative, free route.

Motorists travelling from Cork to Dublin and not willing to pay for using the motorway can use the existing Watergrasshill bypass and leave the main road before reaching the toll barriers. Those driving in the opposite direction can use the old route through Fermoy and Rathcormac and rejoin the M8 before the Watergrasshill bypass begins.

Mr Cullen added: “The significant reduction of through traffic in both towns will also have a beneficial impact on the quality of life for many people, who will be able to go about their daily business in a more efficient way.

“Improved access will encourage industrial, tourist and commercial activity in the locality, and the improvement of journey times between Cork and Dublin will have positive implications for the overall regional development.”

The tolls for the new motorway are €1.60 for a car and €2.90 for a coach, rising to €4.90 for large trucks.

It is the third of the new wave of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to be completed after the M4 Kilcock/Kinnegad route and the Dundalk Western Bypass opened last year.

The National Roads Authority estimate private investment on road works is worth around €1bn to date reaching €2bn by 2010.