Cork County Council has signed the contract for consultancy services for the design of the N25 Midleton to Youghal Transport Project, marking a key milestone in the delivery of the nationally significant infrastructure project.
The €6.8 million contract with AECOM Ireland Limited and Roughan and O’Donovan Limited Alliance, will develop options in the Study Area which includes 20km of the N25 from the Lakeview Roundabout in Midleton to the western side of the Youghal Bypass. The newly appointed multidisciplinary project team has commenced the project, with public consultation on options expected by the end of the year.
The project, funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, will directly support the ongoing development of East Cork by providing a safe and efficient national primary route. Once complete, it will also serve to enhance accessibility between Cork and Waterford and facilitate safer, more efficient transport for both commercial and commuter traffic.
Eoin Greene, AECOM Highways Ireland Director said that the project is “of national and regional significance”.
“We look forward to partnering with Cork National Roads Office, Cork County Council, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and are proud to support this landmark investment that will provide a safer, more reliable, and sustainable transport system in East Cork,” he said. “This project reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting our clients and delivering infrastructure that is resilient, future-ready, and aligned with Ireland’s climate and future transportation goals.”
The project is already underway with surveys commencing on site in the coming weeks to better understand the constraints in the area.
‘BOOTS ON THE GROUND’
Fianna Fáil TD for the Cork East constituency, James O’Connor noted that the signing of the contract gives confirmation of the project being guided through the critical national road infrastructure project through the phases, as per the Government’s Infrastructure Guidelines of Options Selection (TII Gate 2), Design & Environment Evaluation (TII Gate 3) and Statutory Process (planning phase) (TII Gate 4 & Approval Gate 1) involving a multi annual, multi-million euro body of work.
“This project work can now start and the people of east Cork will begin to see boots on the ground over the coming weeks and months. The public will get their opportunity to be involved once it goes to public consultation during the Options Selection phase,” Deputy O’Connor stated.
“This is one of the country’s most important road corridors connecting Cork to Waterford along the N25. There will be a major improvement in road safety for the local people in the villages of Castlemartyr and Killeagh for many years to come upon completion. The quality of life for the local residents will be far better once the project is completed.”
Stating that the appointment was ‘an important step’, chief executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell said that public consultations are expected in 2026.
“The appointment of a highly experienced consultancy team will allow Cork County Council to develop and assess options for this important route, with public consultation planned later this year. This project will play a vital role in supporting the continued growth of East Cork, improving safety and efficiency along the N25, and improving transport links between Cork and Waterford for both commuters and businesses,” she said.
While Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley said that the project ‘will reduce congestion and improve connectivity throughout the Midleton and Youghal areas, creating a more efficient and reliable transport route’.
Further updates on the progress of the N25 Midleton to Youghal Transport Project and other related infrastructure developments in the county can be found on the Cork National Roads Office website at www.corkrdo.ie.
