'People taking their lives in their hands' says Cork TD as Lehenaghmore Road upgrade goes to tender

A Cork TD has welcomed news that the Lehenaghmore Road project has gone to tender, as he said residents are “taking their lives in their hands” with the current road conditions.

As part of the 2025 funding allocation process, Cork City Council secured an initial grant of €5.2m in respect of next phase of the scheme, which involves the procurement of a contractor and commencement of construction works.

It is anticipated that the tender process will be completed over the coming months so as to enable the appointment of a contractor to commence construction works in early July, 2025, with a construction period in excess of 12 months anticipated. The scheme is designed to improve road, cycling, and pedestrian links.

Sinn Féin TD for Cork South Central Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said that he was hopeful that the works would progress quickly.

“Deadlines have been missed in the past, but from my discussions with council and the NTA [National Transport Authority], things have been progressing well the last few months,” said Mr Ó Laoghaire.

“I have specifically asked the council to ensure a local liaison be appointed to ensure strong communication with residents when road works are going on.”

He added: “Residents have been waiting far too long for this, 20 years at this stage, at huge risk to pedestrians and motorists alike.

“It is the worst of Celtic Tiger planning, houses going up with no infrastructure.

“People are effectively cut off from surrounding areas, even being able to walk to the shops, to go for a run.

“You would be taking your life in your hand, so it is very unsafe.

“However, I commend the efforts of the community for keeping this on the agenda, and I am hopeful though that we have the light at the end of the tunnel and construction will begin this year.”