Cautious welcome for N22 bypass around Macroom

THE inclusion of the N22 Macroom bypass project in the government’s five-year Capital Programme  has been welcomed by Cork North West TD Michael Creed.

‘The announcement marks a significant landmark in the now long history of the Macroom-Baile Mhuirne bypass project,’ said the FG TD. 

‘For the past three decades the progress of this project has dominated the political agenda in the local area.  Therefore, it is a source of great personal satisfaction to see the project included in the Capital Programme.

‘It is particularly pleasing that the project has reached the green light stage during a term in government where resources have been historically tight.’  He thanked the former Macroom Town Council and members of Cork County Council and the public at large in the area who have ‘kept the fire burning on the issue’ for many years.  

‘The progression of the N22 project will greatly enhance the quality of life for the wider population of the Macroom area as well acting as an economic driver for the area,’ he said.

The Cork Chamber also welcomed the news of a number of strategic priority road projects for Cork.

 President Barrie O’Connell welcomed the upgrade of the Dunkettle interchange, the N28 Cork to Ringaskiddy road and the N22 Cork to Kerry road as ‘nationally significant’ projects.

‘Cork Chamber has long advocated the view that these projects will act as a significant catalyst and enabler of economic growth in the southern region,’ he said.

However, Fianna Fail’s Cork North West general election candidate Cllr Aindrias Moynihan offered a ‘cautious welcome’ to the news.

‘We must be cautious with this announcement,’ he said. ‘This plan is dependent on the government living up to their promises. 

‘They must immediately move past the rhetoric and start providing some specific details on the project. It must now be a priority for government to tender for contracts immediately, and turn this welcome, if still paper promise into a reality,’ he said.