'I see a big future here': Macroom bypass creates new opportunities 

Since the Macroom bypass fully opened to traffic in 2023, a Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) study found that footfall in the town is up 28%.

Macroom has the potential to become one of the fastest-growing towns in Cork over the coming years, according to Killian Lynch, the chairperson of the Macroom Business Association and who also works locally as an auctioneer.

Speaking to The Echo, Mr Lynch gave an upbeat assessment for potential future opportunities for Macroom, with improved infrastructure and new housing developments also expected in the area.

“I would predict myself that Macroom will become one of the fastest growing towns in Co Cork over the next 20 years, in terms of inward investment and people looking to live here.

“From the auctioneering point of view, we are hearing an awful lot of positive things and everyone has good things to say about Macroom.

“In the short to medium term, I can see the population of Macroom increasing at a massive pace. As a result of that, and we are seeing it already, different businesses are starting to open up.”

The Echo spent an afternoon in Macroom recently to sample the mood and speak with businesses about their hopes for the future.

The consensus is that the bypass has indeed provided new opportunities for the town to grow and flourish.

Local businesses are optimistic for the future, saying that the bypass has helped to breathe a new lease of life into the town.

Clothing and footwear store T.M Cronin is located on Main Street in the town and was established in 1884.

Co-owner Miriam Cronin said the benefits of the bypass are being clearly felt in the town.

“We find that people are number one in better form. And number two, they can come into the town easier.

“People enjoy shopping here in Macroom more now. We are getting extra customers that used to never come in, that used to get stuck in traffic.”

Keely Buckley, co-owner of Pickled coffee shop located in South Square, echoed those sentiments.

“There is a lot more footfall from locals and people can come into the town more freely.

“I definitely think there has been an increase in customers coming to our shop anyway.

“There is a lovely buzz around the town, and it is a good time to be in Macroom.”

Gokhan Tasdemir, owner of the Star Turkish Barbers in Macroom, has noticed an increase in customers and is upbeat for the future of his business.

“I see a big future here and there is more potential here. I am here since 2017, and it has been the best decision of my life.

“We are getting so busy. We are getting more customers and it is easier to come to the town.”

Pop Crowley’s food store is one of the businesses to open recently in the town.

Owner Jack Buckley said the bypass has provided a new lease of life for the town.

“There is more scope for doing things on the street and community events in the square, whereas before that was never an option.

“There is a lot a positivity around it.”

The general consensus across the board from local businesses is that the town of Macroom looks only set to grow.

That positivity has also been seen in terms of entertainment and recreational events. The Macroom Music Festival is growing year on year, with The Undertones, Sharon Shannon and Ryan Sheridan the headline acts for this year.

The Briery Gap has also reopened in the town in recent times, with well known Cork comedian Chris Kent among the acts lined up to perform at the venue over the coming months.

There are also plans for a new garda station in Macroom, which will also be the new Garda Cork County divisional headquarters.

The new garda station in Macroom will include a two, three and four storey building, around a secure courtyard, with adjacent secure car parking on a green-field site on the Millstreet Rd side of the town.

As the halfway point between Cork city and Killarney, there is an opportunity for Macroom to further develop its tourist offering.

There are plenty of recreational amenities within traveling distance from the town, with walking trails such as at Gougane Barra within a 30-minute drive.

Rory Buckley, manager of the Castle Hotel Macroom, said the town has the potential to grow even more as a tourist destination.

“We probably need to sell it a bit better. Having the Gearagh just out the road is a fantastic amenity.

“There has been talks for a greenway for Macroom out to the Gearagh, which would be fantastic. Even thinking longer term then, could we connect that up maybe out to Gougane Barra.

“You see with Dungarvan in Waterford and the impact the greenway has had on there. So, I think we need to think big picture and think about what do people want.

“Not just have Macroom as a place that people stop in on their way to somewhere else. But to give people a reason to stay in Macroom and to spend a few days here.”

Similar to the local businesses in Macroom local politicians also are optimistic for the future.

Fianna Fáil Cork North West TD Aindrias Moynihan said to The Echo that the building of the bypass for Macroom provides great opportunities for growth over the years ahead.

“It is a chance to the town to breathe,” he said.

“The traffic that is in town wants to be here. They are coming in to do business.

“It is a real opportunity for Macroom, not just the town but also the wider hinterland to open up a new chapter and set its stall out there and face into a bright future.”

Fine Gael Cork North West Senator Eileen Lynch added: “The delivery of the bypass has made an absolutely massive difference to the town.

“I think it has made Macroom a much nicer and accessible town.

“Due to the traffic previously, a lot of people in the surrounds of Macroom town would have been going to Ballincollig or Killarney to do their shopping.

“Whereas now the town is so much more accessible.”

Cork North West Sinn Féin Senator Nicole Ryan also highlighted the benefit of more transport links In regard to public transport, the proposed 18km Luas light rail line connecting Ballincollig to Mahon Point has the potential to enhance regional connectivity.

The light rail line could have a knock on impact for residents of Macroom by improving access to Cork city and surrounding areas.

Ms Ryan also feels there is plenty of scope for further growth within the town and that this needs to be capitalised on.

“Macroom has got lovely amenities. It is very friendly towards people that come in. There are great businesses there.”

Ms Ryan added: “But if everything starts to grow, there does need to be more money pumped into the infrastructure of Macroom.

“It is looking at how to you attract businesses and economic opportunities.

“Because if there is going to be local people and new people moving in, there is going to be a need for more jobs and people looking for more opportunities.

“Attracting investment and new businesses into the area would be fantastic.”