Irish Examiner view: Cork stories show we're all being held back by deficient infrastructure

Sean O'Riordan's reports from Midleton, Youghal, Carrigtwohill, Kiskeam, and Carrignavar reflect a national malaise that is holding back prosperity and progress

The limited capacity of east Cork's road network — and no sign of the re-opening of the Midleton-Youghal rail line — are having a serious affect on commuters. Stock picture

The state of our national infrastructure is often cited as an obstacle to progress and development, but such commentary can often be generalised, lacking specific examples to bolster the argument.

This week, however, several such examples appeared almost simultaneously.