Infrastructure funding needed for Cork to thrive, says construction industry body

Cork “stands on the cusp of monumental change”, but investment in key infrastructure projects is needed to ensure the region can meet its full potential, the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has said, ahead of Budget 2026, as the Munster Technological University president appeals for funding for student accommodation.

The CIF, the representative body of Ireland’s construction sector, has called for an expansionary and investment-focused Budget 2026 to address capacity constraints in infrastructure, housing, skills, and sustainability in Cork.

A CIF spokesperson told The Echo: “Ireland’s ability to respond to demographic growth, climate targets, and economic competitiveness depends on a construction sector that is adequately resourced and enabled.

“There is a need to rapidly accelerate infrastructure investment in Cork to take account of infrastructure deficiencies, improve economic competitiveness, achieve climate targets, and improve quality of life.”

They named five key projects in Cork as “essential for the region’s development”, the first being the Cork Luas light rail.

The spokesperson said: “A transformative, 18km line from Ballincollig to Mahon Point will be vital for connecting new housing zones and supporting the regeneration of the docklands, which has capacity for 20,000 new homes.”

Secondly, they said that Midleton rail twin tracking was essential: “A €29.5m upgrade to triple service frequency and support growth in East Cork, with completion expected in 2026.”

Also important was the Northern Ring Road or, alternatively, Cork City Northern Transport Project: “A long-awaited transport corridor to serve the planned growth of over 2,000 homes on Cork’s northside, now facing a delay that could stretch delivery into the 2040s, if funding is not allocated,” was also urgent.

Their fourth key project was the N25 Carrigtwohill-to-Midleton and R626 Upgrade Scheme. The spokesperson said: “The N25 Carrigtwohill-to-Midleton road is not fit for purpose currently, with safety concerns due to old junction designs. In excess of 5,000 proposed new homes are affected by the lack of sustainable travel and development plans for the N25 and Great Island Connectivity Scheme.”

Finally, they said that utility connections should be a priority: “House builders in Cork continue to face delays securing ESB and Uisce Éireann connections, undermining housing progress and planning approvals. This misalignment risks stalling delivery of homes in areas where houses are planned, but utility readiness remains uncertain.

“In addition to the above, we require investment in rail, Bus Connects, the events centre, the development of the city docklands, educational infrastructure, an elective hospital, flood defences, and investment in developing offshore renewables. The success of these initiatives and projects is of local and national importance. A strong southern economy will support a strong national economy. 

"Cork stands on the cusp of monumental change. The policy framework established in the National Planning Framework has established the structures for substantial population growth in the region, putting Cork in the position of economic counterbalance to Dublin. Business-as-usual will not achieve these aims. It is essential that funding follows policy to ensure the delivery of key infrastructure and enablers to match Cork’s ambition in achieving its potential as an international city of scale. 

"Cork’s economic and social development depends on an enabled, innovative, and well-resourced construction sector. CIF urges government to respond decisively in Budget 2026 by unlocking the sector’s full capacity to deliver housing, infrastructure, and climate resilience for the years ahead.”

A Cork County Council spokesperson told The Echo that housing, roads, active travel, and regeneration should be the key areas for investment.

“Given the prioritisation of housing delivery and the need for enabling of infrastructure to be delivered to support this, Cork County Council’s expectation is that the budget will reflect the national priorities in this regard. Cork County Council has seen very positive urban and town regeneration and will welcome continued focus in these areas, bearing in mind that that there are 172 towns and villages in County Cork.”

The spokesperson added: “There are several critical projects that, if enabled, will enhance the county for its citizens. There are new settlements where placemaking has been identified as a critical focus and Cork County Council would welcome, and look forward to, continued investment to support these communities. 

"The council welcomes the significant roads budget that was allocated last year that allowed 702km of road improvements in the county, including work on the M28. Given we have several critical transport routes to deliver, we are hopeful of continued budgetary support and investment in to critical infrastructure, in both road improvements and the provision of new infrastructure, including active travel initiatives.”