Contract signing paves way for bypasses around two East Cork villages

Contracts have been signed that will pave the way for bypasses around two East Cork villages blighted by traffic congestion issues, and the upgrade of the Lakeview Roundabout in Midleton.

Cork County Council officials have put pen to paper on the €6.8m contract with Aecom Ireland Ltd and Roughan & O’Donovan (ROD) Limited Alliance, for the N25 Midleton to Youghal transport project.

It will see options developed in the study area, including 20km of the N25 from the Lakeview Roundabout to the western side of the Youghal Bypass, including long-awaited bypasses around Castlemartyr and Killeagh.

The newly-appointed multidisciplinary project team has already commenced the project, with public consultation on options expected by the end of the year, and surveys expected in the coming weeks.

The project, funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, will serve to enhance accessibility between Cork and Waterford.

The Mayor of the County of Cork, councillor Mary Linehan Foley, said the project will reduce congestion throughout the Midleton and Youghal areas, “creating a more efficient and reliable transport route”.

Eoin Greene, Aecom Highways Ireland director, said the project “reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering infrastructure that is resilient, future-ready, and aligned with Ireland’s climate and future transportation goals”.

ROD director Eoin Ó Catháin said the project will offer “substantial safety and journey-time benefits” to road users, as well as “improved quality of life” for residents in Killeagh and Castlemartyr.

Moira Murrell, chief executive of Cork County Council, said: “This project will play a vital role in supporting the continued growth of East Cork, improving safety and efficiency along the N25, and improving transport links between Cork and Waterford.”