O’Shea Calls on Road Realignment at Coachford to be Prioritised

Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea has called on Cork County Council to prioritise the urgently needed realignment of the R619 at the northern entrance to Coachford village, highlighting mounting road safety concerns and the increasing development pressures in the area.

“The current road layout on this section of the R619 is substandard and no longer fit for purpose,” said Deputy O’Shea. “This stretch is narrow, with poor visibility and limited space for vehicles or pedestrians. As it stands, it presents real safety risks for local residents, school traffic, and commuters.”

While initial design work was carried out by Cork County Council as far back as 2006, with updated proposals in 2014, the project has not advanced beyond the preliminary stage. Land was acquired and fencing erected in anticipation of improvement works, but to date, no allocation has been received from the Department of Transport.

Importantly, Deputy O’Shea stressed that the case for action has become even more urgent due to the construction of a new housing estate in the area.

“With a new residential development now underway at this very location, the need for safe, modern road infrastructure is greater than ever,” he said. “More families, children, and pedestrians will be using this route daily, and the current layout is simply not safe to accommodate that increased activity.”

Cork County Council has confirmed that the proposed road realignment — approximately 700 metres in length will require updated design work to align with current road and active travel guidelines, including pedestrian connectivity. The Council also indicated its intention to submit a Preliminary Appraisal Form (PAF) to the Department of Transport under the Specific Improvement Grant scheme.

Deputy O’Shea welcomed this development but urged Cork County Council to formally prioritise the project in its Roads Programme.

“There are many worthy projects competing for limited funding, but this one stands out in terms of immediate need and community impact,” he said. “We now have a window of opportunity to advance this project, and I’m calling on Cork County Council to give it the priority it clearly deserves.”

He also praised the local community in Coachford for their consistent advocacy and engagement on the issue.

“This is a growing village with increasing demands on its infrastructure. The realignment of the R619 is essential for the future safety, accessibility, and quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”