N22. Picture: Google Maps
Background works on the N22 Macroom to Ballincollig Road must progress at pace, to allow for the capital project to start promptly when it gets the nod post 2030.
Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North West, Aindrias Moynihan, questioned Taoiseach Micheál Martin on the topic of infrastructure, and the busy N22 was mentioned.
Speaking in the Dáil, Mr Moynihan said:
“The recently published national development plan update sets out an ambitious plan for key infrastructure for the years ahead.
“Many of the capital works are due to get underway by 2030 and others thereafter.
“Having a pipeline of projects ready is vital because there is so much background work involved with them,” he said.
According to the published plan, the N22 between Macroom and Ballincollig is the next phase to be worked on.
“It needs to continue in the background and get through the various background stages so that we have a pipeline of projects ready to roll as soon as possible,” Mr Moynihan said.
Transport Infrastructure of Ireland confirmed to Mr Moynihan that they also agreed to fund interim safety measures at this location that Cork County Council is currently considering.
Mr Moynihan is pleased at the confirmation of interim funding for safety measures along the road.
“I’m glad that the TII have agreed to fund interim safety measures from Macroom to Ballincollig. I am calling on the council to approve this as quick as possible because the road is bumper to bumper and it cannot continue.
“I will continue to engage with the Minister, the Taoiseach, and relevant stakeholders to ensure safety measures are in place, and that we can hit the ground running on the N22 Bypass post 2030, with all relevant background work completed to avoid delays,” he concluded.