Major boost for Cork road projects expected in Government announcement

Cork expected to be given funding for projects such as the Cork to Ringaskiddy road, Innishannon bypass, the Mallow relief road, and safety works in Carrigaline

Earth moving trucks taking part in the construction of the new M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy road project, at Shannonpark, Carrigaline, Co Cork, last year. Picture: David Creedon

Funding for safety works at a dangerous crossroads in Carrigaline as well as works on major roads in Cork are expected to be announced by Government on Tuesday.

Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien and junior transport ministers Jerry Buttimer and Sean Canney will announce the 2026 Roads Funding Allocation, with sources saying Cork "got a fair amount" in its allotment.

Among what is expected to be an almost €800m overall funding package for national roads, there is set to be over €700m for regional and local roads.

Sources said Cork county is to see a grant in the region of €140m for national roads, a significant portion of which is for the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy road. Cabinet last year gave the green light to the €456m motorway. 

The scheme, which secured planning in 2018, involves the construction of about 11km of motorway from the N40 Bloomfield Interchange to Barnahely near the Port of Cork, with a 1.5km single carriageway protected road linking to the eastern side of Ringaskiddy.

It is expected to take three years to complete and will replace the existing N28, which was not designed to accommodate current traffic volumes. The current construction project is said to be on time and on budget.

The county will also see funding for other projects, such as early stage work on the long-awaited Innishannon bypass and work on the extension of the Bandon bypass.

Cork City Council, meanwhile, will be given money to progress projects such as the resurfacing of the N27.

Allocations are also expected for progressing bypasses between Midleton and Youghal, Carrigtwohill to Midleton and works on the Mallow Relief Road.

The renowned, dangerous ‘Ballinrea Cross’ in Carrigaline will see money allocated to progress safety works in the late summer, and allocations are also expected for progressing bypasses between Midleton and Youghal, Carrigtwohill to Midleton and works on the Mallow Relief Road. 

Ballinrea Cross has been the scene of numerous incidents over the years, which have prompted several calls from local public representatives for safety works to be undertaken at the location, most recently just two weeks ago.

Mr Buttimer, minister of state in the Department of Transport, said he could not comment on individual allocations but was "hopeful Cork will do well".

"It is key that projects such as the Innishannon bypass, the Mallow relief road and many others see investment. Our overall allocations to roads in the county and city are going to be increased."

Last November, Mr O'Brien announced his department's National Development Plan spending framework, which saw some criticism at the level of roads spending. 

In total, the National Development Plan will allocate €10.1bn to public transport projects, €9.7bn to roads, €1.8bn to active travel and greenways, €44.6m to civil aviation, €145m to maritime transport and safety, and €231m towards ICT. 

That plan includes €1bn worth of capital funding to go towards the second phase of the Cork area commuter rail programme, which includes eight stations and two park and ride facilities on the city’s northside.