The N25 Midleton-Youghal Scheme has been sanctioned by the Department of Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, to appoint a design consultant.
The stretch of N25 road connecting Midleton to Youghal via Killeagh and Castlemartyr, is one of the most dangerous sections of national road in the country, which sadly, has been the site of several major accidents over the years.
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson for Transport and TD for Cork East, James O’Connor, who has advocated for major investment to upgrade the N25 at Killeagh and Castlemartyr since his election to Dáil Éireann four years ago, welcomed the news. The completion of this work will now result in the route selection process and public consultation commencing
‘MAJOR MILESTONE’
Deputy O’Connor described the news “as a major milestone and something I have been working towards for four years”.
“The upgrading of the N25 around Castlemartyr and Killeagh will make a significant positive impact on quality of life in the East Cork area,” he said. “For Youghal, this project represents a major opportunity to turn the tide on the town’s economic prospects with reduced journey times to Cork making it more competitive for investment.”
The current N25 is currently significantly over capacity with over 19,000 vehicles per day travelling through Castlemartyr on busy days. This is almost double the daily traffic on the Waterford-Dublin motorway. Delays in excess of 20 minutes are common on the eastbound lane entering Castlemartyr and many motorists choose to avoid tailbacks via Ladysbridge and Mogeely.
IMPROVED SAFETY
The news was also welcomed by Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler TD.
“This stretch of the N25, connecting Midleton to Youghal via Killeagh and Castlemartyr, is known as a very dangerous section of road. Sadly, it has also been the site of several major accidents, which simply shouldn’t be the case on a national road.
“The upgrading of the N25 around Castlemartyr and Killeagh will make a significantly positive impact on quality of life for users of the road in West Waterford. The reduced journey times anticipated, plus overall safety improvements, have the potential to make a real impact for those travelling from West Waterford to Cork and East Cork to Dungarvan, as an example,” Minister Butler said.
“I want to commend my colleague from Cork East, Deputy James O’Connor, who has continuously advocated for major investment for upgrades to the N25, and I will continue to support him in his efforts,” Minister Butler concluded.
