O’Shea Welcomes Progress on Key Cork Projects in Updated National Development Plan (NDP) for Transport
Nov 26, 2025
Cork North West Fine Gael TD Deputy John Paul O’Shea has welcomed the confirmation that several important Cork projects are highlighted for progression in the updated National Development Plan (NDP) Review 2025 – Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport.
Deputy O’Shea said the Review provides renewed clarity and a strengthened commitment to advancing regional transport priorities, including major and mid-sized national road projects that are essential for communities across County Cork.
The projects for Cork included are as follows:
-
M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy – Under construction.
-
N/M20 Cork–Limerick Project (including full bypasses of Mallow, Buttevant and Charleville).
-
N72/N73 Mallow Relief Road – Proceed to planning and construction.
-
N22 Macroom–Ovens Scheme – advancing through design and planning.
-
BusConnects Cork – major investment in enhanced routes, frequency, infrastructure and interchange.
-
Cork Commuter Rail Programme – capacity upgrades, improved frequency, electrification and station enhancements.
-
N25 Midleton to Youghal Corridor (includes bypasses of Castlemartyr and Killeagh).
-
Great Island Connectivity Scheme (R624 in Cobh) – improved access for residents and port traffic.
-
Cork Northern Distributor Road – progressing to support metropolitan growth areas.
-
Cork Southern Ring Road / N40 Upgrades – long-term capacity and safety improvements.
“I strongly welcome the inclusion of the N72/N73 Mallow Relief Road in the list of regionally important national road projects scheduled to commence construction by 2030,” Deputy O’Shea said. “This project is critical for relieving chronic traffic congestion in and around Mallow town, improving connectivity across north Cork, and supporting future economic growth. Ensuring its continued prioritisation within the NDP is a major step forward.”
Deputy O’Shea added “The inclusion of the N22 Macroom–Oven’s upgrade in the Department of Transport’s NDP Sectoral Plans is a decisive and very welcome development. This route is of enormous strategic importance to Cork and Kerry, and its upgrade is essential to improving journey times, reducing congestion, and enhancing road safety for all who travel it daily.”
In relation to the N/M20 project, Deputy O’Shea said “I welcome the inclusion of the N/M20 Cork to Limerick Project in the Government’s NDP Sectoral Plans, particularly the commitment to long-awaited bypasses for Mallow, Buttevant and Charleville. This is a critical piece of national and regional infrastructure that will transform connectivity, improve road safety, and support economic growth across Cork North-West and the wider Munster region. Communities along this corridor have been waiting far too long for real progress. Now that the project is firmly embedded in the NDP, it is vital that delivery is accelerated without delay. I am urging the Government and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to move swiftly through the remaining stages so that we can see construction begin as soon as possible.”
On the investment proposed for the bus network in Cork, Deputy O’Shea said that he was delighted to see that BusConnects Cork is now formally included in the National Development Plan (NDP) Sectoral Plans, saying “The inclusion of BusConnects Cork in the NDP Sectoral Plans is a hugely important step forward for Cork- both city and county. This ensures long-term Government backing for the project and provides certainty that the redesign of our bus network, the roll-out of new bus corridors, and the delivery of better, more frequent public transport will proceed with momentum. This is a transformational investment for commuters across Cork City and County, including many communities west of Cork city which are in the Cork North West constituency.”
On the rail network investment, Deputy O’Shea said “I warmly welcome the inclusion of the Cork Commuter Rail Programme in the NDP Sectoral Plans. This is a major step forward for our county and for commuters right across Cork North-West. In particular, the commitment to increasing rail service frequency between Mallow and Cork will make a real and positive difference for workers, students, and families who rely on this vital route. Improved reliability and more frequent trains will strengthen connectivity, support balanced regional development, and ensure that Cork continues to grow with sustainable, high-quality public transport at its core.”
Deputy O’Shea concluded by saying “Cork communities rely heavily on a safe and efficient transport network. The continued commitment to progressing a number of key road, bus & train projects in Cork is welcome news for residents, businesses and commuters across the region. I will continue to advocate for timely delivery of these projects and for further investment across the wider Cork transport network.”
