Under the Government approval Cork County Council, under the direction of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), is to award the main construction contract for the N22 Baile Bhuirne to Macroom Road Project.
This project was identified for progression under Project Ireland 2040, comprising the National Planning Framework (NPF), which outlines the spatial strategy for the country to 2040 and the National Development Plan (NDP) 2018 – 2027. This project will deliver many benefits for County Cork, including:
- Improved safety by reducing the frequency and severity of collisions and casualties on the N22;
- Reduced journey times and better journey time certainty for traffic travelling between Cork and Killarney/Tralee, thus supporting economic growth in the region;
- Improved balanced regional development and inter-urban connectivity by efficiently diverting national traffic away from the town centre of Macroom, while retaining sufficient access for local traffic to Macroom;
- Enable the town of Macroom to focus on sustainable transport policies to create shorter commutes and to develop safe pleasant pedestrian routes for the benefit of both locals and tourists; and
- Provide an improved public transport corridor on the N22 route.
This is a significant investment of €280 million into Ireland’s National Road Network. When complete, this project will deliver enhanced regional accessibility and connectivity which will help to strengthen rural economies and communities, which is one of the Government’s key objectives under project Ireland 2040.
The need for this road has been well recorded over the years. It is a busy route that is not just needed in Macroom and the rest of North Cork, but by people in the wider Kerry community as well. It is the main route between the two counties.