AN emerging preferred route for the much-delayed N71 Bandon Southern Relief Road extension scheme is expected to be decided by February of next year.

BY KIERAN O’MAHONY

Last week, a public consultation for Phase 2 (Option Selection) of the project was held in Bandon Town Hall by a team from the National Roads Office, who met with members of the public and answered their questions about the project.

There was a steady flow of people throughout the day to Bandon Town Hall and a public display of the study area, constraints and preliminary route options were on view for people to inspect.

The initial Bandon bypass was completed over 30 years ago and since then public representatives have called for the completion of the next phase of the project, which has dragged on for years.

Fianna Fáil Councillor Gillian Coughlan said she has constantly placed the issue of the ‘unfinished bypass’ in Bandon on the agenda since she became a member of Cork County Council.

‘While I am pleased that there has been some funding for route options consultations, it is taking far too long. The road should be completed by now,’ she said.

Phase one of this project was progressed in 2022 but the project was paused due to funding constraints.

The current N71 Southern Relief Road has particular deficiencies, with steep gradients and poor sightlines at its intersection with the R603 Kilbrittain Road, while a large volume of HGVs had until recently continued to pass through the town centre due to deficiencies on other routes.

Earlier this year, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) allocated €450,000 to facilitate the advancement of the planning and design of this scheme.

The Southern Relief Road extension scheme will comprise an extension of the existing relief road, varying from 1 to 7km in length to the south and west of Bandon, depending on the preferred option.

At last week’s public consultation, maps outlined four preferred corridor options that could be considered for the extension of the relief road.

‘Cork County Council now invite the residents of the local area, members of the public and other interested parties to review and offer comments and views on the preliminary corridor options. Local participation in this consultation is welcome and the Design Team will consider any feedback and submissions received prior to finalising the options for subsequent appraisal,’ said a spokesperson.

It is expected that an emerging preferred route will be decided by February 2026 and advertised in advance.

The project will move to Phase 3 which is design and environmental evaluation.

Members of the public who wish to submit any comments on the proposed development must do so by November 11th.

For more details email [email protected].