Speaking on Tuesday, Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber said the time to deliver the Dunkettle Interchange is now and it is essential that a final investment decision made without delay.
He stressed that following a frustrating setback 12 months ago when the project was re-tendered, the time is right to now take this investment forward and enable the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy.
“The project will provide countercyclical support for our construction sector and is essential for the region’s long-term development.
“In normal times, the interchange is the busiest outside of Dublin carrying over 100,000 vehicles per day. Quite practically, there is an opportunity to accelerate work while traffic volumes are lower and disruption to business and commuters can be minimised.”
Mr Healy continued by saying the project will, for the first time, ‘enable cyclists and pedestrians to safely traverse the junction’.
“It is essential that the complementary greenways through Glanmire and Carrigtwohill are completed urgently and in parallel to facilitate sustainable local movement and mid-distance cycle commuting.
“Furthermore, enhanced bus access to Little Island creates the opportunity to offer a credible bus service, finally adding some modal diversity for businesses and communities in the area.”
