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Macroom to Baile Bhuirne bypass Officially Opens

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The final section of the N22 Macroom to Baile Bhuirne bypass has been officially opened marking the completion of the €280 million project, funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and progressed under the Government’s Project Ireland 2040.

The ribbon was cut on the last 6 km section by Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Frank O’Flynn, Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD and Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan, together with the Chief Executive of Cork County Council Valerie O’Sullivan and Chief Executive Peter Walsh of Transport Infrastructure Ireland on Monday.

The new section of road features one of the deepest cuts ever excavated and blasted in Ireland. Over 500,000 m3 of rock was broken and blasted over a two-year period from this section, with the rock recycled to form the foundation of the road throughout the project.

Construction of the 22km road began in January 2020 with contractors Jons Civil Engineering Company Ltd and John Cradock Ltd working together as a joint venture. J.B Barry & Partners are the Contractor’s Designer and Mott MacDonald is the Employer’s Representative on the project.

2,200 WORKERS

The number of work-hours during the construction stage amounts to 1.8 million. There were 2,200 people directly involved including engineers, designers, planners, supervisors, excavator and dumper drivers, carpenters, steel fixers, pipe layers, pavement laying crews and traffic management operatives. Over 300 construction staff were working each day during the peak.
The completed dual carriageway extends from the eastern side of Macroom at Coolcower to the townland of An Sliabh Riabhach on the western side of Baile Bhuirne. Macroom Town with Baile Mhic Íre and Baile Bhuirne bypassed as part of the project, marking a major upgrade on the road infrastructure between Cork and Kerry. It features four junctions and 101 principal structures including four river bridges, four overbridges, 15 underbridges, retaining walls, bases for variable message signs, culverts, and environmental barriers.

WELCOMED

The 22km stretch of road bypassing both Ballyvourney and Macroom on the road from Kerry to Cork city, is a major step forward and will enhance the journey of thousands of commuters and visitors between both counties, according to Fianna Fáil Councillor, Michael Cahill.

“The reduction in travel times between Kerry and Cork City is immensely welcome for all those who travel the route regularly and the removal of the frustration of sitting in traffic jams is a godsend. Many Kerry people need to travel regularly to Cork for work, health, leisure, etc, and vice versa for many Cork residents. Irish and foreign visitors also will benefit from the smooth transition between the two locations” stated Councillor Cahill.

“This, coupled with the ongoing works on the Adare Bypass on the border with Limerick, will open up Kerry for increasing numbers of visitors and commuters throughout Munster and Ireland for years to come” said the Rossbeigh based Councillor.

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HeartBeat to host Advanced Healthcare Directive information night

Anne O’Shea Clarke, Regional Manager of SAGE Advocacy Mid & South West Regions, will provide a comprehensive explanation of the process involved in properly creating an Advanced Healthcare Directive (AHD) […]

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Anne O’Shea Clarke, Regional Manager of SAGE Advocacy Mid & South West Regions, will provide a comprehensive explanation of the process involved in properly creating an Advanced Healthcare Directive (AHD) on Tuesday, April 29, starting at 8pm in the Parish Centre, Park Road.

An ADH is a document which sets out your instructions in relation to healthcare treatments in the future, when you no longer have the capacity to decide. AHDs are not solely relevant to older individuals. Young adults can also significantly benefit from putting these directives in place for themselves or when assisting loved ones. Attendees will gain valuable ‘Knowledge is Power; regarding legal and personal matters
The meeting will specifically look at two key application forms: the standard AHD Form and the Think Ahead / my form.
Prior to the main meeting, a Blood Pressure. and Pulse Clinic will be available from 7:15pm until 8:00pm sharp. Following O’Shea Clarke’s presentation, there will be a Question & Answer session, followed by tea and coffee.
SAGE Advocacy, the national service for older people, works to ensure access to information, support, and independent advocacy, while also providing safeguarding services across various settings, including homes, day centres, hospitals, and nursing homes.
They also support vulnerable adults and healthcare patients in situations where other services may not be available.
For further information, email anne.osheaclarke@sageadvocacy.ie or visit www.sageadvocacy.ie.

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Singer-songwriter Lillie Foley releases second single

Local singer-songwriter Lillie Foley, from Whitebridge Manor, has released her second single of 2025, titled ‘That’s Life’, on all major streaming platforms. ‘That’s Life’ is described as a powerful blend […]

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Local singer-songwriter Lillie Foley, from Whitebridge Manor, has released her second single of 2025, titled ‘That’s Life’, on all major streaming platforms.

‘That’s Life’ is described as a powerful blend of pop and soul music, drawing on Foley’s own life experiences. The track marks a further step in the promising career of the emerging local artist.
Recorded at the renowned Windmill Lane Recording Studios in Dublin, ‘That’s Life’ showcases Foley’s emotive lyrics, soulful vocals, and a sound that is both modern and deeply personal. Collaborating with music producer and audio engineer Hermann Ogulla, Foley has crafted a song that blends her Irish background with contemporary musical styles, aiming to resonate with listeners in Ireland,and beyond.
Foley said: “This is a song about resilience and accepting that bad things happen in life and we just have to get on with it and move on as best we can.”
‘That’s Life’ is the second of several songs Foley has planned for release in 2025.

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