Cabinet approves 'vital' new motorway for Cork

Transport minister Darragh O’Brien has announced that the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy motorway has been approved by Cabinet, with an approximate budget of €456m.

The project, which will immediately progress to the construction phase, involves the construction of approximately 11km of motorway from the N40 Bloomfield Interchange to Barnahely, with a 1.5km single carriageway protected road linking to the eastern side of Ringaskiddy.

This 1.5km section is being undertaken as advance works and is already under construction.

The project will replace the existing N28, which was not designed to accommodate current traffic volumes, and is intended to greatly improve road safety with reduced potential for collisions.

The motorway will also improve access to the Port of Cork at Ringaskiddy, allowing for the transfer of port activities from Tivoli in Cork city centre.

The project is estimated to cost approximately €456m, and will take up to three years to complete.

“This major new road project will greatly improve access to the Port of Cork at Ringaskiddy, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods to and from the port, while also supporting the additional port activities to Ringaskiddy,” said Mr O’Brien.

“As a result, lands at Tivoli Docks in Cork city can be repurposed for much-needed residential and commercial development.

“I also welcome the positive impact the project will have on journey times for commuters as well as its role in easing congestion and improving air quality in Shanbally and Ringaskiddy.”

The Mayor of County Cork Joe Carroll welcomed the Cabinet’s approval of the motorway today, and described the project as a “vital” piece of infrastructure for Cork.

“[This] announcement marks a significant milestone in advancing the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy motorway,” said Mr Carroll.

“This motorway is vital for the continued development of our region, improving connectivity, and supporting strategic employment zones that are crucial for Cork county’s economic future.”

Chief executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell, said that the council, in partnership with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), will remain focused on the “timely delivery” of the project, working collaboratively with local communities and stakeholders to ensure “minimal disruption and [maximum] benefits.”

Minister of state at the Department of Transport Seán Canney said: “This project will deliver improved road safety for all road users travelling to and from Ringaskiddy.

“I also welcome the fact that it includes a number of active travel elements which will make walking and cycling more attractive to commuters and local residents.”

Chief executive of TII, Peter Walsh, said that, once complete, the project “will provide a high-quality motorway-standard connection to one of Ireland’s deep-water ports in Ringaskiddy, offering safer travel for all road users and relieve traffic congestion for residents and businesses alike”.

“It will also complete another important link in the TransEuropean Transport Network, a vital transportation network that connects the island of Ireland to the rest of Europe and the world,” he added.