IT could be years before a roundabout at a notorious junction on the N22 Cork to Killarney road at Castlemore near Crookstown will be installed, a councillor was recently informed.

Cllr Gobnait Moynihan (FF) had highlighted the need for a roundabout at this junction, which is notorious for road traffic collisions. She had sought an update at the recent Southern Committee on roads.

‘A roundabout at this junction will create a safe passage for traffic coming from West Cork onto the N22 road and vice versa,’ Cllr Moynihan told The Southern Star.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has recommended the construction of a roundabout at this junction after multiple feasibility and options reports were submitted to them by Cork County Council.

‘This opens the way for Cork National Roads Offices to seek a technical advisor to progress the detailed design and statutory process.’

However, she queried why interim safety works were being sought by TII for the R585 Castlemore junction when they have recommended the construction of a roundabout.

Cllr Moynihan was then told by council officials that though TII recommends the constructions of a roundabout, it would  be years before it could be installed.

Council officials did confirm that interim safety works would be progressed in 2026 and that they are continuing to liaise with TII regarding funding availability for further potential safety improvement measures and associated potential low-cost minor works interventions on the N22 between Ovens and Coolcower.

An upgrade and pavement repair works were recently completed further up the N22 at the Kilcondy junction, which included the installation of a right turn ghost island at the junction, together with full width pavement overlay works.