THE possibility of a bypass at Innishannon moved a step closer this week with funding for a traffic study in the village.

The N71 received a €4m funding boost as part of the Government’s 2026 roads allocation, while the N22 Macroom to Cork road received over €1m to improve pavement works and safety. But it’s news of €100,000  for a first-ever study to examine the feasibility of a bypass for Innishannon that was most noted.

The package of funding also includes €650,000 to progress the Bandon Southern Relief road extension to planning stage.

No funding was approved to upgrade the N71 from Bandon to Gaggin junction however.

Further west, €3m will go towards improving the pavement in Ballylickey, while €100,000 has been allocated for the Bantry Bypass.

Road Safety Improvement Schemes (RSIS) were also announced for Innishannon, Leap pedestrian crossing and Bandon’s Poacher’s pedestrian crossing.

Funding of €1m was announced for the Srelane/Oven safety scheme and pavement works along the N22, while €50,000 was allocated for RSIS at the notorious Castlemore junction along that same route.

Cork County Council received the highest share of the total national allocation (17.6%), with over €200m secured and almost €80m of that going to local and regional roads.

Minister of State and Cork South West TD Christopher O’Sullivan commended Cork County Council for submitting the applications, especially for Innishannon village.

‘People will know Innishannon as a stunning village but it’s also known for its long tailbacks and traffic queues,’ he said.

‘This funding will allow Cork County Council to come up with and design a bypass.

The Southern Relief Road is vital for Bandon also to flourish and this allocation will fund a design to bring the project to planning stage.’

Senator Noel O’Donovan (FG) said: ‘Significant funding has been needed for the N71 for so long and we had not seen the delivery until now. The funding provided for Ballylickey is something has been crucial for both the community and visitors to West Cork.

‘The road is of vital importance to residents, business owners and commuter as well as acting as the primary route for the large number of tourist who come to West cork every single year.’

Cork North West TD Aindrias Moynihan (FF) said he was particularly pleased to see the Castlemore junctions and Srelane/Ovens schemes along the N22 included.

‘These are critical projects for connectivity and safety and I’m keen to see them progress quickly for the benefit of all road users,’ he said.