Green light for Carrigaline road junction safety works  

A timeline has been set by Cork County Council’s road design office for long-awaited interim and permanent safety works at a busy Carrigaline road junction.

Ballinrea Cross has been the scene of numerous incidents over the years, which have prompted several calls from local public representatives for safety works to be undertaken at the location.

The latest development has been welcomed by local Fine Gael county councillor Jack White, who said there has been “understandable” frustration within the local community at delays to the junction upgrade.

“This is a critical safety project for Ballinrea,” said Mr White.

“As previously outlined, Cork County Council’s planned works at Ballinrea Cross were dependent on the completion of essential HV cable ducting works linked to the Orsted Ballinrea solar farm.”

These works involve the installation of high-voltage cables from the solar farm to Raffeen, which must pass directly through the junction.

Mr White said Orsted has now appointed its contractor and submitted the required road opening licence applications for works at Ballinrea Cross.

Interim works will include the replacement of Uisce Éireann pipework, the installation of HV ducting and joint bays, and the temporary reinstatement of the road surface.

Contractor 

Orsted has confirmed that its contractor, Ward and Burke, has committed to commencing works at the Ballinrea Junction in mid-April.

The programme of works is scheduled to run from April 20 to May 29, with contractor availability cited as a significant challenge across the sector at present.

Mr White said that following completion of the enabling works, it is anticipated that the council will commence work on a full upgrade at the junction in July.

The permanent works will include realignment and tightening of the junction to improve safety and sightlines, full road resurfacing, new road markings, and updated signage.

The council has confirmed the procurement process for this project has been completed and a contractor appointed, with the timeline also reflecting the need to accommodate Leaving Certificate examinations at the adjacent school.

“While delays are never welcome, I am pleased we now have a clear and realistic roadmap to deliver a safer junction for all road users,” added Mr White.