Construction update: Progress being made across multiple Cork infrastructure projects

So far in 2025, significant advancements have been made in respect of a number of large infrastructure projects in Cork that will complement planned housing developments.

These include the announcement of the M28 Cork-Ringaskiddy motorway; the announcement of the emerging preferred route (EPR) for the Cork Luas; the announcement of the route for the Cork-Limerick motorway; and the commencement of construction of the new €100m CORE1 berth at the Port of Cork.

In April, transport minister Darragh O’Brien announced that the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy motorway was approved by Cabinet, with an approximate budget of €456m.

The project, which was immediately progressed 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.

Speaking to The Echo at the time of the announcement, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that he is happy to see progress being made on the long-awaited project.

“Infrastructure-wise, it’ll be a very significant positive,” said Mr Martin.

“It’s been a long time [coming] in terms of going through the various planning stages and oral hearings.

“It’s a huge investment into the Cork area — we’re talking about hundreds of millions involved here — and it’s good to see it brought to a conclusion.”

The EPR for the Cork Luas was also launched in April by Mr Martin, which included a proposed 18km long light rail line with up to 25 stops running from Ballincollig to Mahon Point.

The project aims to connect key destinations such as MTU, Cork University Hospital, UCC, Cork city centre, Kent Station, Cork Docklands, Blackrock, and Mahon.

The scheme further includes a new public transport bridge connecting Kent Station to Kennedy Quay and new cycling infrastructure along much of the route.

The EPR also includes a proposed 1,000 vehicle park ‘n’ ride facility in Ballincollig and a mobility hub in Mahon.

Mr Martin said that the Luas project will be “transformational for Cork city”.

“Luas Cork will hugely improve connectivity in the city — it’s very positive to see this project progressing,” he added.

Additionally, last week, an announcement was made in relation to the much-anticipated Cork-Limerick motorway, which will include 80km of motorway, 100km of active travel, seven transport hubs, and one freight hub.

Tánaiste Simon Harris said that the proposed project aims to enhance regional accessibility, to improve the network, to connect Cork and Limerick, and to improve connections to West Cork and Kerry, as well as balancing regional growth and development.

It will also provide much better connectivity between Ireland’s second and third largest cities, said Mr Harris.

He further added that he understands the scheme’s preliminary business case is expected to be submitted to the Department of Transport in early 2026.