Cork County Council Welcomes Cabinet Approval for the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Motorway

Lanscape with road on the left hand side and roadworks beginning in the centre.

The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll, has welcomed Government approval to advance construction of the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Motorway Project. The Cabinet decision, announced by Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, TD, underscores the strategic importance of the project in facilitating the development of the Port of Cork’s facilities in Ringaskiddy and delivering essential infrastructure to a key employment hub in the region.

The scheme, which forms part of the Core Trans‐European Transport Network, is of national significance, as the port serves as a major gateway for trade and industry in Ireland. Additionally, it will enhance infrastructure within one of Cork’s strategic employment zones, further driving economic growth and investment in the area.

Subject to the necessary approvals, the contract is expected to be formally awarded later this month. Funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the project, an integral part of the Government’s Project Ireland 2040, will see the construction of approximately 11km of mainline motorway from the Bloomfield Interchange to Barnahely.

Sorensen Civil Engineering is currently delivering the 1.5Km single carriageway Relief Road around Ringaskiddy to the Port of Cork, with construction underway since October 2024. 
Mayor Carroll, said,

Today’s announcement marks a significant milestone in advancing the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Motorway. This motorway is vital for the continued development of our region, improving connectivity, and supporting strategic employment zones that are crucial for Cork County's economic future.

Minister O’Brien said, “I am delighted to announce the progression of this major development, which will ensure safer and more efficient travel to and from the Port of Cork at Ringaskiddy. This supports our businesses, our hauliers, our port, and contributes to a thriving community.  It also enables development at Tivoli Docks, bringing further new opportunities to the Cork area."

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell added

Portrait of the Chief Executive, Moira Murrell
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Moira Murrell

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Ceannceathrú Chomhairle Contae Chorcaí, Halla an Chontae, Bóthar Charraig Ruacháin, Corcaigh, Éire. Eirchód: T12 R2NC.

Cork County Council, in partnership with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, remains focused on the timely delivery of the project, working collaboratively with local communities and stakeholders to ensure minimal disruption and maximise benefits.

Peter Walsh, Chief Executive, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), said, “The M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy project upon completion will provide a high-quality motorway standard connection to one of Ireland’s deep-water ports in Ringaskiddy, offering safer travel for all road users and relieve traffic congestion for residents and businesses alike. It will also complete another important link in the Trans‐European Transport Network (TEN-T), a vital transportation network that connects the island of Ireland to the rest of Europe and the world.”

Further updates on the progress of the M28 Motorway and other related infrastructure developments in Cork County can be found on the Cork RDO website at https://www.corkrdo.ie/current-work/major-schemes/