Additional funding expected to be announced to progress Mallow Relief Road

Additonal funding to bring the Mallow Relief Road one step closer to reality is expected to be announced as part of an upcoming funding package.

Fianna Fáil TD Pádraig O’Sullivan told The Echo that he has been given indications that funding for the project will be allocated under a package expected to be announced soon by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

Mr O’Sullivan said additional funding would enable the Mallow Relief Road project to progress to detailed design and environmental assessment and that it would go for planning after that.

The Cork North Central TD said he understood that the list of projects is being finalised and that a date for the announcement of the funding has yet to be established.

'The lift that Mallow needs'

Mr O’Sullivan said that the Macroom bypass, the final section of which was officially opened late last year, has been “transformative” for the area and said he hoped the Mallow Relief Road would be similarly beneficial.

“A lot of the local people there are very satisfied and it’s given the town a lift, so this might very well be the lift that Mallow needs,” he said.

Speaking about the project following a parliamentary question submitted by Mr O’Sullivan in recent weeks, Transport Minister Eamon Ryan acknowledged that the Mallow Relief Road is identified as a project for consideration in the current National Development Plan.

“Town bypasses allow for traffic to be redirected from the centre of our towns and villages, freeing them up for pedestrians and cyclists, improving air quality, and allowing public realm improvements.

“In the case of Mallow, this will have a significant impact on HGV traffic, which is a particular problem for the town.

“It is also anticipated that this scheme will enhance active travel linkages to Mallow train station.

“This is in keeping with the ‘Town Centre First’ policy, and supports compact growth in town centres, which is a National Strategic Outcome.

Preferred route selected

“A preferred route has now been selected, and the next phase will involve the detailed design and environmental evaluation of the scheme.

“I can confirm that €100,000 was allocated for the Mallow Relief Road scheme in 2023.

“As with all national roads projects in the NDP, the delivery programme for the project will be considered in terms of the overall funding envelope available to TII.

“TII will outline further funding arrangements for 2024 in the near future,” he continued.

Regarding additional funding for the project, a spokesperson from the Department of Transport told The Echo that it was “not possible to comment on allocations for specific projects at this time”.

“The national roads allocations for 2024 will be announced in the near future,” they added.