18 January 2016
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Ahead of the upcoming general election Ibec Cork, the group that represents business in the region, called on all candidates to support key road projects that will make the region a better place to live, work and do business. Completion of the Cork to Limerick motorway, the Cork to Ringaskiddy road upgrade and the Mallow relief road must be prioritised to support job creation and the development of the region’s economy.
M20 Cork-Limerick Motorway
Ibec Cork Regional Director Peter O’Shaughnessy said: “With half a million people living within 10km of the proposed motorway, the crucial M20 Cork-Limerick project needs to be urgently progressed. If delivered, this project can support economic recovery in the entire South-West and Mid-West regions and will underpin the regional contribution to the national economy. All general election candidates need to publically get behind this vital project which will be a significant advance in developing an effective Atlantic Corridor.
“The lack of a motorway is damaging connectivity and competitiveness of the region. The proposed mid-term review of the Capital Investment Plan this year should be used to channel windfall corporate tax gains to essential projects such as the Cork-Limerick motorway. A more ambitious plan for investment with additional road projects in the regions must be a priority for the next government.
N28 Cork to Ringaskiddy (including Carrs Hill) road
“The N28 Cork to Ringaskiddy road upgrade scheme and the Mallow relief road are of huge strategic importance to business in terms of facilitating access and improving connectivity to the region. It is imperative that these essential pieces of road infrastructure progress to planning without delay. The necessary funding must be made available to deliver the projects in the shortest possible timescale.
“We are calling on all general election candidates to declare their full support for these capital investment projects. A concerted effort is needed to ensure Cork is equipped with the road-network required to begin a new phase of economic development.
“A study carried out by Amárach research identified quality infrastructure as the highest priority for promoting economic recovery outside Dublin. The research also found that only 38% of respondents felt the recovery has now spread to larger cities like Cork. The delivery of the Cork to Limerick motorway, the Cork to Ringaskiddy road upgrade and the Mallow relief road can pave the way towards increased prosperity in Cork.”
