The completion of the €4.7 million Ballymaquirke 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 Ballymaquirke 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.
North Cork Fine Gael Councillor John Paul O’Shea 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. I want to extend my 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 Ballymaquirke 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.”
Pictured at the opening of the €4.7 million Ballymaquirke Junction Upgrade Scheme are: Back Row L-R Cllr. Ian Doyle, Paul Moran, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), Deputising for Chief Executive, Cork County Council, Kevin Morey, Acting Division Manager, North Cork, Cllr. Bernard Moynihan, Deputising for The Mayor of The County of Cork, Cllr. John Paul O’Shea, Padraig Barrett, Director of Service, Planning, Cork County Council. Front Row L-R Michael Moynihan TD, Niall Healy, Director of Service, Roads & Transport, Cork County Council, Cllr. Gearoid Murphy, Cllr. Tony O’Shea. Photo by Philip Daly Photography.
