Taoiseach says number of road deaths so far in 2023 is 'matter of enormous concern'

TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has described the fact there have been more road deaths so far in 2023 than all of 2022 as a “matter of enormous concern”.

As of yesterday evening, 165 road fatalities had been reported in Ireland this year. For the whole of last year, 155 road deaths were reported.

“We made so much progress in the last couple of decades. There was a time when 600, 700 people were dying on our roads, and it is really disturbing to see that number that had come down go back up again — and something I’ll be taking a personal interest in as Taoiseach,” he said.

Mr Varadkar said that “there’s no one thing that makes our roads safer” and that a number of measures were needed to address the issue, but said the possibility of more funding for the roads budget would be re-examined under a review of the National Development Plan.

Opening of final section of N22 

Mr Varadkar was speaking at the opening of the final section of the N22 Baile Bhúirne-Macroom bypass yesterday.

The completed dual carriageway extends from the eastern side of Macroom at Coolcower to the townland of An Sliabh Riabhach on the western side of Baile Bhúirne.

The Mayor of County Cork Frank O’Flynn said that when the first section of this project opened in December 2022, air pollution in Macroom town immediately reduced by more than 50%.

“The reduction in heavy goods vehicles will make access to the local schools and businesses a lot safer, and the improved connectivity between both Cork and Killarney will also make this area even more attractive for housing developments,” he said.

The €280m project was funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland and progressed under the Government’s Project Ireland 2040.

It features four junctions and 101 principal structures, including four river bridges, four overbridges, 15 underbridges, retaining walls, bases for variable message signs, culverts, and environmental barriers.

Deputy Aindrias Moynihan told The Echo: “It’s a huge milestone, there’s so much background work gone into it over a long time.

“Town county and council, TDs, ministers, locals, landowners, so many people shouldered the wheel over the years, and a special mention to my father Donal Moynihan who campaigned for it for years as a TD."

It was the first anniversary of Donal Moynihan's passing on October 29th, and Deputy Moynihan shared “he was lucky enough to drive on part of it" that had opened in his lifetime.

The Fianna Fáil TD continued: “It’s such a positive move for Cork and Kerry… it’s great to see it delivered, and its more than just a road – it’s safer access for locals, the area is more accessible to people who want to live there.

He added: “There might be a chance that we can snatch a few of the tourists from Kerry - there’s been a big effort put in there locally, it’s a real opportunity to promote the area.

“The contractor and the design teams did a great job and the road is a pleasure to drive, it’s a good day for the South West”.

Fine Gael councillor Ted Lucey, chairman of Macroom/Millstreet Municipal Council said of the opening: “It is fantastic, we have been waiting a very long time for it.

“Macroom has done well since the opening, businesses and people are happy, so hopefully going forward we can build on that.”

Tourism benefits 

The Taoiseach said the completion of the bypass will be of great benefit to the residents of Cork and Kerry and visitors to the region.

“This road will reduce journey times, remove congestion from the towns and villages along the route, and lower the fuel costs associated with idling in traffic congestion, and with traffic redirected, existing roads can be developed to facilitate safer cycling and walking routes between local areas.

“By improving connectivity between Cork, Killarney, and Tralee for business and tourism, this project will boost local, regional, and national development.”

Construction of the 22km road began in January 2020 with contractors Jons Civil Engineering Company Ltd and John Cradock Ltd working together, JB Barry & Partners as the contractor’s designer and Mott MacDonald as the employer’s representative on the project.

The new section of road features one of the deepest cuts ever excavated and blasted in Ireland, with over 500,000sq m of rock broken and blasted over a two-year period, with the rock recycled to form the foundation of the road.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland chief executive Peter Walsh said that bringing this section of the N22 route up to a modern engineering standard “delivers on both safety and efficiency — it will make a tangible difference to the daily lives of the people who live, work, and travel throughout the area”.

Cork County Council chief executive Valerie O’Sullivan added: “The town of Macroom and its surrounding area has flourished since it was bypassed late last year. The removal of the congestion has made it a more attractive location for motorists to stop on route from Cork to Kerry and sample the services that Macroom has to offer — I would expect to see similar benefits for the villages of Baile Bhúirne and Baile Mhic Íre.”