Budget 2026: More Cork infrastructure projects 'need commitment’

The Cork commuter rail project and the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy motorway were both listed as specific priorities for the Government during yesterday’s budget announcement — but more Cork public transport projects need commitment, a Cork TD has said.

Public expenditure minister Jack Chambers highlighted the importance of transport projects, saying: “Our country’s progress is driven by connectivity. Modern, efficient, and effective transport systems unlock the full potential of our towns, cities, and communities.”

A total of €4.7bn will be allocated to the Department of Transport, with €940m of that going towards funding and subsidising existing public transport services.

The funding will also support the rollout of the BusConnects programmes in Dublin and regional cities including Cork, as well as projects such as phase one of the Cork Area Commuter Rail.

Mr Chambers also mentioned “several major national road projects”, including the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy, the Adare Bypass, and the N5 Ballaghaderreen to Scramogue to be prioritised next year.

He added that “a number of major greenway and active travel projects” will be funded and developed in 2026.

He concluded that Dublin’s MetroLink project would also be subject to €2bn from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund.

Cork Sinn Féin TD Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said more needed to be done, adding: “If we want to protect our economy — infrastructure, and especially transport infrastructure is key. Unfortunately, the budget is behind the curve of what is needed.

“They didn’t increase expenditure beyond the national development plan, which itself failed to reference projects outside of Dublin,” he said, adding that while the Metrolink was important, commitments were needed for the Cork Luas, “which has a timescale that is far too long at the minute.

“Progress on the M28 is welcome, but our public transport is creaking at the seams. I am still hearing, on a regular basis, issues regarding significant delays in buses, or not showing up at all.”