TRAVELLING the stretch of the N71 west of Bandon to Skibbereen has been described as ‘like driving in a Third World country’.

BY SALLY COLLINS and KIERAN O’MAHONY

Fine Gael Senator Noel O’Donovan made the comparison in the Seanad while calling for increased investment in roads infrastructure across West Cork.

He outlined the ‘absolutely diabolical’ conditions of the road network, placing particular emphasis on the state of the N71 artery.

He claimed that despite €80 million in extra investment to Cork County Council, drainage and road conditions remain a problem for motorists.

Various stretches of the N71 have come under scrutiny in recent months as road users have to evade large potholes and uneven surfaces while driving.

Senator O’Donovan said that there is ‘a serious danger to the lives of the people who travel on our roads’.

He noted that despite funding for road maintenance, area offices do not receive enough discretionary funding for drainage.

‘The dogs in the street in West Cork know what needs to happen, but we need to change the policy here in Dublin’ he said.

In November 2025, Cork County Council announced that 32% of its €1.42 billion capital infrastructure investment would go towards road building and maintenance.

However, locals and politicians alike still feel that the N71 has been neglected despite its regional importance.

Senator O’Donovan maintained that the beauty of West Cork could not be fully appreciated because of the condition of the N71, the only national route connecting the area.

‘Our main road into West Cork from Bandon to Clonakilty, Rosscarbery to Skibbereen is like driving in a Third World country,’ he said.

He added that drivers travelling through Innishannon ‘could spend half an hour to 40 minutes in complete congestion’.

Senator O’Donovan said that West Cork residents have been treated like ‘Third World citizens for many years’.

He vowed to lobby for investment concluding: ‘It’s common sense politics, and that’s what we need in terms of our road maintenance, drainage and proper investment.’

Meanwhile, it has emerged that urgent repairs along the N71 between Bandon and Gaggin junction may not happen until next year and will depend on funding.

Last week The Southern Star highlighted the poor state of this stretch of road which Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan said needs an urgent upgrade due to potholes and uneven surfaces.

He said the road is a ‘hazard’ and needs immediate attention noting that two collisions took place there in recent weeks.

A Cork County Council spokesperson said they are aware of the condition of the N71 between Bandon and Gaggin and has sought funding from TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) for pavement renewal in this location.

‘Cork County Council is awaiting the announcement of TII allocations for 2026 so the funding position is currently uncertain.

‘Should funding become available then the design, project approvals and preparation of tender documentation for this section of the N71 from Bandon to Gaggin will be progressed by Cork County Council in 2026 with construction planned for 2027, subject to continuing funding in that year.’

Independent Ireland TD Michael Collins raised the issue of roads in West Cork in the Dáil last week and said the roads in his constituency are ‘atrocious’.

‘It’s the height of danger, we have verges not cut and trees hanging out onto roadways and people can’t pass their driving tests because there are no lines on the road and all the signs are blocked,’ said Deputy Collins.

‘It’s a complete lack of funding and understanding that we haven’t just been underfunded for the past few years but for decades and Cork County Council can’t deliver when they don’t have the money.’