17 November 2023
By Tom Collins
tom@TheCork.ie

Safety upgrade

The completion of the €4.7 million Ballymaquirk Junction Upgrade Scheme has been warmly welcomed as a significant milestone in road safety improvement for the North Cork area.

Situated approximately 17km from Mallow, 4km from Kanturk, and 1km from Banteer, the Ballymaquirk Junction will be well known to many as it is a primary route for traffic travelling to the southwest of the country.

The junction, located at the intersection of the N72 National Secondary Road and the R579 Regional Road, had long been recognised with a need for safety upgrades by Cork County Council resulting in Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) identifying the works as a crucial Road Safety Improvement Scheme.

Deputising for the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Bernard Moynihan welcomed the completion of the scheme saying, “The official opening of the Ballymaquirk Junction Upgrade Scheme marks a significant moment for the region and will be welcomed by residents, businesses, and local communities across the North Cork area, especially the Duhallow region. The improved road safety and enhanced traffic flow will have a positive impact on the lives of our residents while boosting economic activity. We extend our sincere gratitude to the local community and landowners for their co-operation during the course of the project.”

Due to the site’s location adjoining the River Blackwater Special Area of Conservation (SAC), a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) was undertaken as part of the design process for the project. Cork County Council, in conjunction with TII, engaged Roadplan Consulting Engineers to carry out the design and preparation of tender documents. Following the tender process, Sorensen Civil Engineering Ltd were awarded the €4.7milion contract for the scheme. Construction commenced in April 2023.

Cork County Council’s Divisional Manager for North Cork, Kevin Morey added, “The completion of the Ballymaquirk Junction Upgrade Scheme is a testament to the joint efforts of Cork County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. This project demonstrates our commitment to promoting road safety and enhancing the quality of life for the people of Cork. We are proud to play a role in creating safer roads that allow our communities to thrive.”

Political reaction

Michael Moynihan TD

Fianna Fáil TD for Cork North West Michael Moynihan said, “This was one of the most dangerous junctions in the country, a major upgrade was badly needed to address this accident blackspot, and I was delighted to work alongside local Councillor Bernard Moynihan to get vital infrastructure project delivered today.

“Projects as significant as Ballymaquirke take a lot of time and effort to get over the line, with the many competing demands for the funding around the country, I am absolutely delighted that all the hard work has now come to fruition with the completion of this new roundabout, which will greatly improve the road safety of all those who use this busy junction and for the generations to come who will benefit from this important project.”

Deputy Moynihan concluded by wishing everybody who will be travelling through this junction a safe journey to and from their destinations.

: The completion of the €4.7 million Ballymaquirk Junction Upgrade Scheme has been warmly welcomed as a significant milestone in road safety improvement for the North Cork area. The junction had long been recognised with a need for safety upgrades by Cork County Council resulting in Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) identifying the works as a crucial Road Safety Improvement Scheme. Construction commenced in April 2023. Photo by Philip Daly Photography