Cork's N25 upgrade moves closer as design team appointed

The design phase of the much-anticipated Midleton to Youghal N25 road scheme, which includes the Castlemartyr/Killeagh bypass, is expected to take two years.

Last week, the scheme advanced to the next stages of infrastructure planning as design consultants were appointed by Cork County Council.

In partnership with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Cork County Council has formally selected design consultants Roughan and O’Donovan/AECOM Ireland Alliance to advance the project.

Fianna Fáil Cork East TD James O’Connor said the appointment of the consultants makes the N25 project more tangible and he added the public will get an opportunity to be involved once the project goes to public consultation.

He said: “I expect this phase of the project will take approximately two years and will considerably advance one of the country’s most important road corridors, connecting Cork to Waterford along the N25,” he said.

“This will result in a major improvement in road safety in the villages of Killeagh and Castlemartyr for the years to come once the project is completed, as well as the quality of life for the local residents.”

Mr O’Connor thanked the officials he had personally engaged with over the past four years: “This has been a long time coming but now we will see some boots on the ground putting in the hard yards over the next number of years.

“This is a vital piece of infrastructure for those travelling from Rosslare to Tralee, and further afield, across the southern region.

“I look forward to the coming months as we will start to understand the plans the appointed contractors will have for the years to come.”