Government still examining plan for updating key East Cork road

The Government is still considering documentation submitted by Cork County Council for updating the Cobh Rd, which is estimated to cost more than €100m, the transport minister has said.

Information on the R624 Cobh Rd was provided to Cork East Fine Gael TD Noel McCarthy by minister Darragh O’Brien, who said that any new road projects that seek State funding are assessed by the department on a case-by-case basis.

“In this regard, Cork County Council submitted an initial project appraisal to the department in 2019 regarding the upgrade of the R624 Cobh Rd,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The project, as submitted, includes upgrading the existing N25-R624 interchange, the provision of a dual carriageway from the interchange to Marino Point, widening of Slatty Bridge, the provision of a new bridge crossing to Great Island at Belvelly, and upgrading the existing R624 from Marino Point to Cobh.

“The estimated cost of this scheme was more than €100m, with possible staged implementation,” he said, adding that the council also produced a strategic assessment report (Sar) for the Great Island Connectivity Scheme in 2022."

Updated

“Since then, both the public spending code and the department’s transport appraisal framework (Taf) guidance have been updated.

“The department liaised with the council regarding new requirements under the new infrastructure guidelines and the Taf, including the preparation of a project outline document (Pod) and business case incorporating the work already undertaken at the Sar stage.

“The council submitted the Pod to the department in March 2024.

“Following the submission of the Pod, the council commenced work on developing a brief for the appointment of consultants to deliver the scheme through options assessment, design and planning, starting with the commencement of a preliminary business case,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The council submitted the brief for appointment of consultants in December 2024 to the department for review.”

Mr O’Brien added that the council hopes to appoint a consultant once the brief has been finalised.

“An allocation of €350,000 was made to Cork County Council as part of the 2025 Regional and Local Roads Grants to assist in the development of the preliminary business case,” he added.