Contract signed for €2m road scheme in West Cork

Cork County Council has signed the contract on a €2m roads scheme it says will significantly improve safety and connectivity in West Cork.

The local authority has appointed contractor McGinty & O’Shea for the construction of the R595 Oldcourt Road Realignment project in Skibbereen, a scheme which is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.

The council said the €2 million scheme aims to significantly improve safety and connectivity for road users, residents and local businesses along the coastal road that links Skibbereen to the popular tourism and fishing destination of Baltimore.

Funded by the Department of Transport’s Specific Improvement Grants scheme, the works will see 700-metres of regional road realigned and widened to provide increased visibility, improved road safety and road user comfort.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Skibbereen-based Fianna Fáil councillor Joe Carroll said the R595 was an important route for communities and for tourism, commercial activity and access to Skibbereen town for the island communities of Sherkin and Oileann Chléire.

“This €2m investment is most welcome as the road realignment project will not only enhance access but, more importantly, it will improve safety for all road users,” he said.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell said the Oldcourt realignment scheme was one project in an expanding programme of schemes that are being strategically delivered by the council.

“These projects supported by the Department of Transport focus on regional roads throughout the county,” she said.

Construction onsite is set to begin in May, with the project expected to be completed in October of this year.