Construction BUSINESS

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Séamus McGrath, together with representatives of Cork County Council and Atkins have signed contracts in respect of the Carrigaline Western Relief Road. Atkins will provide detail design services for the project from their local office in Cork.

Martin Jennings, Project Director Atkins commented: “Atkins is delighted to be appointed to complete the detailed design of the Carrigaline Western Relief Road. This will be a critical piece of infrastructure for Carrigaline, which is now the largest town in County Cork outside Cork City. The new road will have a very beneficial impact on the local community and environment of the town centre by relieving traffic congestion on Main Street.”

The Carrigaline Relief Road is located a short distance west of Carrigaline Main Street and will allow traffic to bypass the town centre. The new road will also facilitate the expansion of the town centre on zoned development land.

Speaking at the contract signing, Mayor McGrath noted the importance of this relief road to one of the country’s largest commuter towns. “This is a critical piece of infrastructure for Carrigaline and is urgently needed given the serious traffic problems in the town. Progressing to the detailed design phase is a significant step forward for the project as the next phase is construction.   The design phase will take approximately 12 months to complete and this timeframe must be used to secure the funding required to progress to construction without delay.”

Richard Neuling, Project Manager, Atkins stated that: “Atkins is well placed to deliver this project given the experience and expertise of our local Cork team. Atkins has a long and successful track record of delivering important design and planning projects for Cork County Council, including the Cork Area Strategic Plan, the N8 Watergrasshill bypass and the Carrigaline Area Transportation Study. Our project team in Cork is looking forward to working closely with the staff of Cork County Council Road Design Office to advance the scheme design as quickly as possible to a point where a construction contractor can be appointed once funding becomes available.”

Works on this project began over a decade ago but difficulties securing funding have seen the project delayed. However, speaking on the progression of the project, Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Mr. Tim Lucey confirmed: “The Council have acquired approximately ninety five percent of the lands required to build the road. We have also completed a number of site investigations and have advanced works in building and demolition contracts on the ground. The recently acquired lands for the road project were fenced in May 2016 and we are pleased to now be in a position to progress with the acquisition of the remaining lands required for the road.”

Mayor McGrath went on to say: “The council fully recognises the high priority of this project, not just to ease traffic congestion, but also to facilitate the future development of the town centre and for the creation of employment. I very much look forward to the completion of this vital bypass road which will be of enormous benefit to the people of Carrigaline and beyond.”