Latest news with #ProjectIreland2040
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Eight new Cork rail stations to go to public consultation
Eight new potential rail stations and other Cork transport works are to be considered in a public consultation next week. The proposals include new stations at Blackpool, Monard, Tivoli, Carrigtwohill West, Water Rock, Ballynoe, Blarney and Dunkettle. A new fleet maintenance depot, which will be designed to cater for an electrified fleet of up to 150 carriages, will also be considered during the public consultation due to open on Wednesday. The proposals are part of the second phase of the Cork Area Commuter Rail Programme which, if fully delivered, will enable up to a 10-minute service frequency on all three Cork commuter lines. READ MORE The programme is funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) under Project Ireland 2040, which also aims to address population growth, job creation and housing needs. It represents the largest investment in the Cork commuter rail network, and is noted as a key project in the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy 2040, which aims to reduce reliance on private vehicles in the area. Phase one of the programme involved the opening of a new platform at Kent Station in April. Commuters can now travel between Mallow in the north of the county and Cobh in the east without having to change trains at Kent. The first phase also incorporated the upgrading of the existing rail line between Glounthaune and Midleton to a twin track, which is expected to be finished next year. The project is set to facilitate a tripling of service frequency along the line. Former minister for transport Eamon Ryan previously said the programme represents 'the largest investment in the rail network in Cork undertaken by the State. It will completely transform transport in and around the city'. The consultation will be launched at Kent Station by Minister of State Jerry Buttimer, and will remain open to public submissions until Wednesday, July 23rd.
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
The major infrastructural projects needed to give the West a boost and how much they will cost
At a breakfast briefing in Dublin, a delegation from the Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) presented Government Ministers, TDs, Senators and Senior Government officials with the report. The report, 'Regional Infrastructure Priorities for the Northern and Western Region' identifies the need for a minimum €9 billion in capital investment needed across the region's transport, energy, education, water, and climate infrastructure. These are specifically for the projects that could be costed at the time, with other projects to be costed at a later date. These initiatives are designed to address significant infrastructure deficits, unlock economic potential, and advance climate resilience in Ireland's most underfunded region. NWRA Economist, John Daly said: 'Despite Ireland being regarded as one of the wealthiest economies in the EU, the Northern and Western Region of Ireland's transport infrastructure ranked in the bottom 20 at 218th out of 234 regions according to the European Commission's Regional Competitiveness Index'. The publication of the report coincides with the public consultation on the revised National Development Plan (NDP), which remains open until 26th June 2025. The NDP is the Government's long-term vision and investment strategy for national infrastructure and public services, a crucial component of Project Ireland 2040. Speaking at the event, NWRA Director Conall McGettigan stated: 'The Northern and Western Region has consistently received below-average investment in national infrastructure. 'This report aligns with the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy 2020–2032 and presents a clear roadmap—with several projects already costed—to bring the region in line with national policy goals. It supports compact growth, regional accessibility, and sustainable development'. Among the key projects proposed are: · The N17 Knock to Collooney road scheme (€600 million) · The Carrick-on-Shannon bypass and N4 upgrade (up to €500 million) · Donegal TEN-T Projects (€790m to €915m) · Phases 2 and 3 of the Western Rail Corridor (€400–600 million) ADVERTISEMENT · The Galway City Ring Road (€500 million to €1 billion) · Strategic grid enhancement projects by EirGrid (€1.3 billion) · Investments at Ireland West Airport Knock · New capital projects at the Atlantic Technological University (€50m - €150 million) NWRA Cathaoirleach Cllr Jarlath Munnelly added: 'The report highlights the severe regional imbalance in public capital investment. Between 2016 and 2024, the Northern and Western Region received just 5.7% of public tenders worth over €20 million, despite accounting for over 17% of Ireland's population'. The NWRA developed the report following extensive consultation with all nine local authorities in the region, along with key infrastructure agencies including Transport Infrastructure Ireland, EirGrid, Uisce Éireann, and Atlantic Technological University. The report will be transposed into a submission from the Northern and Western Regional Assembly on the review of the National Development Plan (NDP). The submission to the NDP will aim to ensure the Northern and Western Region, through the provision of critical infrastructure, is fully empowered to meet Ireland's targets on housing, climate action, connectivity, and economic development. The report on the Regional Infrastructure Priorities for the Northern and Western Region will be submitted as part of the NWRA's submission to the NDP consultation. The Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) is one of three Regional Assemblies in the Republic of Ireland. It works with key stakeholders at EU, national, regional and local level to accelerate and optimise effective regional development. As a public body charged with formulating Regional Policy, the NWRA advocates for greater economic development in the Northern and Western Region of Ireland, which covers the counties of Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan.
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Taoiseach Micheál Martin says €456-million Cork to Ringaskiddy motorway will be ‘transformative' for the city
It's hoped that the new road will reduce peak-hour congestion and travel delays, improve road safety and make access to the port easier. BAM will build the 11km of motorway from the Bloomfield Interchange to Barnahely with construction to start shortly. The new M28 is expected to be completed by summer 2028. The €206 million construction contract is part of the total project budget of €456 million. The current road, the N28, is predominantly a single carriageway and has struggled to cope with the volume of traffic heading to and from the deep-water port at Ringaskiddy, which is also home to a host of major pharmaceutical and healthcare companies such as Pfizer and DePuy. At the contract signing at Cork County Hall, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: 'I am delighted to be here for the signing of the M28 Main Construction Contract. This is an important milestone for Cork and Ireland with the construction of this transformative road upgrade now underway. The M28 is a key component of Project Ireland 2040. It will strengthen Ireland's integration with European ports and trade corridors, supporting national competitiveness and connectivity.' The Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moria Murrell, said: 'This project is a critical component of the Core Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), the EU's policy framework for linking ports and major logistics hubs. The M28 will support sustainable growth, create jobs, and enhance connectivity to our vital maritime and commercial centres.' The Mayor of County Cork, Councillor Joe Carroll, also welcomed the signing, saying: 'Today's contract signing marks a major step forward in delivering essential infrastructure that will benefit not just Cork, but Ireland's broader economic and transport ambitions.'
RTÉ News
22-05-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Contract signed for new M28 motorway in Cork
The contract for construction of the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy motorway has been signed, with the project expected to be completed by summer 2028. The motorway will connect the port of Ringaskiddy in Cork harbour with the Jack Lynch Tunnel and the M8 Cork-Dublin motorway. The construction contract signed by Cork County Council is valued at €206 million, and part of the total project budget of €456m. The 11km motorway, which will be built by BAM, will be from the Bloomfield Interchange to Barnahely. Funding for the project is being provided by Transport Infrastructure Ireland. Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien and Minister of State for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer were among those who attended the signing of the contract at Cork County Hall. Mr Martin said that the M28 is a "key component of Project Ireland 2040". "It will strengthen Ireland's integration with European ports and trade corridors, supporting national competitiveness and connectivity," he said. Minister Buttimer said that the motorway will be "transformative" for communities and businesses.
Irish Independent
02-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Taoiseach hails ambitious new €200 million project to redevelop Cork Airport as he launches plans
€200 million will be invested by the DAA in the airport as part of a new development plan, as it aims to surpass five million passengers using the facility every year in the near future. Cork Airport contributes over €1 billion to the Irish economy, directly and indirectly, and employs over 12,000 people. However, for some the new plans will signal the end of an era, as the airport's much-loved old terminal, with its fountain and glass elevator, is set for demolition, to make way for a brand-new pier, further increasing the airport's handling capacity, set to be built by 2032. The brand-new plans show a confidence that the airport will continue its unheralded growth, with passenger numbers up 50% in the last decade, and which Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien says plays 'a crucial role…for our connectivity and economic prosperity.' The first major change will be the construction of a new mezzanine floor, in which a brand-new security system will be rolled out, bringing a much-requested change for passengers departing from the country's fastest growing airport. The new system, estimated to be in place by December of next year, will now eliminate the need to remove liquids, gels, pastes and large electronic items from passengers' cabin baggage. The new security area will also incorporate a new fast-track lane, while a new executive lounge is set to be built, with a larger capacity than the current facility. 'Today is a momentous day for Cork Airport with the launch of an ambitious Capital Development Plan which emphasises the importance of the airport to both the regional and national economy,' said Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who was on-hand to launch the plans. 'Cork Airport has become a critical component of our national transport infrastructure and as Ireland's fastest growing airport, its continued development is paramount. I have no doubt that the benefits of this plan will only bring further growth to what is already a thriving airport.' An additional 630 parking spaces in the Holiday Blue car park are expected to be in place by July 2026, while plans are also in place for the future expansion of the Express Red car park also. By the third quarter of next year, the Dublin Airport Authority plans to refurbish a current cargo building into another passenger area, enabling two more passenger gates to be opened. "With Project Ireland 2040, we're expecting a big population boost in the southern region. Cork's ambition of becoming a major European city of size and scale is a key part of this plan,' said DAA CEO, Kenny Jacobs. 'DAA's €200m Capital Development Plan is set to keep Cork Airport serving the south of Ireland, both economically and socially, making it a crucial part of the region's infrastructure. We're super proud of Cork Airport at DAA and we're all in on this exciting journey to help the airport and the region grow and develop into the future." ADVERTISEMENT A new solar farm on the site of the existing Holiday Blue car park is due to be in place by August of next year, while the major change is set to come in 2032, when the old terminal and old control tower will be demolished, allowing for the construction of a new pier, bringing even more boarding gates and more capacity, as the airport broke the 4 million passenger mark for the first time in its history last year. The plan kicks into action as early as this summer, as passengers will be able to see the first 'shovel-ready' elements of the plan commencing, with work starting on the construction of the new mezzanine floor, to extend over the existing arrivals area, and the delivery of a new oversized baggage security facility.
