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.