O’Shea Welcomes €28 Million Investment in Cork Rail Crossings as Works Get Underway

Cork North West TD highlights major safety improvements at Buttevant, Ballyhay, Newtown, Ballycoskery and Shinanagh level crossings

Fine Gael TD for Cork North West, Deputy John Paul O’Shea, has welcomed the commencement of works on the €28 million Cork Line Level Crossings Improvement Project, which will see significant safety upgrades and improvements delivered at five level crossings in County Cork.

The project, funded by the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority, will involve the closure of six level crossings and the upgrading of a further crossing between Limerick Junction and Mallow.

Deputy O’Shea said the commencement of construction works represents an important milestone in improving safety for motorists, pedestrians and rail passengers across the region.

“I very much welcome the confirmation from Iarnród Éireann that contracts have now been signed and that works are getting underway on this €28 million investment in our rail infrastructure.

“Importantly for Cork, five of the seven level crossings included in this project are located within our county, with four scheduled for closure and replacement infrastructure and one to be upgraded to a CCTV-controlled crossing.

“The crossings involved in Cork are Buttevant, Ballycoskery, Newtown, Shinanagh and Ballyhay. These improvements will address longstanding safety considerations at the interface between road and rail traffic while also supporting the future development of the Dublin–Cork rail corridor.”

Under the project:

– Buttevant: The existing level crossing will close and a new overbridge will be provided.

– Ballycoskery: The level crossing will close and be replaced by a new overbridge.

– Newtown: The level crossing will close and a new access road will be provided.

– Shinanagh: The level crossing will close and a new access road will be provided.

– Ballyhay: The existing level crossing will be upgraded to a CCTV-controlled crossing.

Deputy O’Shea continued:

“These are substantial infrastructure works which will deliver lasting benefits for local communities and road users. The provision of replacement bridges and access roads will ensure that connectivity is maintained while removing the safety risks associated with traditional level crossings.

“It is also important to recognise that investment of this nature is not just about addressing current safety concerns. It is about preparing our rail network for the future, supporting improved journey times, greater operational resilience and planned enhancements to services on the Dublin–Cork line, including future electrification.

“I am particularly pleased to see this project progressing from the planning and procurement stages into construction. I will be keen to see the works advance over the coming months and that the benefits are delivered for the communities affected.”

Local Fine Gael Councillor Aileen Browne also welcomed the commencement of works, saying:

“I very much welcome this significant investment in the safety and future of our rail infrastructure. The level crossings have been an important part of the local transport network for many years, and these works will provide modern solutions that will improve safety for everyone using the roads and railway.

“The provision of new overbridges and access roads, alongside the upgrade at Ballyhay, represents a substantial investment in the area. It is particularly encouraging to see the project now moving into the construction phase, with works expected to be completed by April 2028.

“This is an important development for local communities and I look forward to seeing the benefits of these improvements delivered.”

The main contractor appointed to deliver the project is Jons Civil Engineering Ltd, with the overall programme expected to be completed by April 2028.

Deputy O’Shea concluded by saying “Improving transport infrastructure and ensuring the safety of everyone using our roads and railways must remain a priority. This €28 million investment is a significant commitment to the future of the Cork rail corridor, and I welcome the progress now being made towards its delivery.”