Urgent calls for Mallow bypass funding

A delegation of Fine Gael Councillors in North Cork has met with Minister Simon Coveney TD to discuss funding for the long awaited Mallow bypass ahead of Budget 2024.

The councillors called the meeting having been left “bitterly disappointed” after last year’s budget which saw €100,000 ring-fenced for the project. The delegation included Fine Gael Cllrs Liam Madden, Tony O’Shea, John Paul O’Shea, and Noel McCarthy.

The Mallow bypass, which is considered a key priority project for Cork County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, also includes plans in line with the Active Travel programme. The plans would link a number of housing estates on the northern end of the town to the town centre and train station.

Expressing the need for action, Fine Gael group leader Cllr John Paul O’Shea said: “We are aware that Budget 2024 discussions are underway and it is critical for Mallow and North Cork that we see tangible movements on funding for the Mallow Bypass as part of Budget 2024.

“The project is effectively on hold now until the Minister for Transport Eamonn Ryan TD allocates enough funding to bring it to the next stage of development,” he added.

At the meeting, the councillors noted that the Mallow bypass was included in the recently published Prospects 2023/2024 report which highlights 50 of the largest projects to progress in the state over the coming years.

Speaking after the meeting, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney TD, said he had listened to the concerns of the councillors and is “strongly supportive of their efforts to ensure it is prioritised within Government”.