Contracts Signed for N25 Midleton to Youghal Transport Project

Cork County Council has signed a €6.8 million contract for consultancy services to design improvements to the N25 between Midleton and Youghal, marking a significant milestone for one of East Cork's most anticipated infrastructure projects.

The contract was signed today, 8 May 2026, at the Mall Arts Centre in Youghal, with the work awarded to the AECOM Ireland Limited and Roughan and O'Donovan Limited Alliance. The project, funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), covers approximately 20km of the N25 from the Lakeview Roundabout in Midleton to the western side of the Youghal Bypass, and includes long-awaited bypasses for the villages of Castlemartyr and Killeagh.

The newly appointed project team has already commenced work, with site surveys expected to begin in the coming weeks. Public consultation on route options is anticipated before the end of the year, as the project progresses through the Government's Infrastructure Guidelines phases covering options selection, design and environmental evaluation, and the statutory planning process.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, said:

"The contract signing for the N25 Midleton to Youghal Transport Project is a really positive step forward in delivering the kind of infrastructure that will benefit not just Cork, but the country as a whole. It will reduce congestion and improve connectivity throughout the Midleton and Youghal areas, creating a more efficient and reliable transport route."

Cork East TD James O'Connor, who has championed the project since his election to the Dáil in 2020, welcomed the signing as confirmation that works would begin on the ground in the weeks and months ahead.

James O'Connor TD, Cork East:

"This project work can now start and the people of East Cork will begin to see boots on the ground over the coming weeks and months. There will be a major improvement in road safety for the local people in the villages of Castlemartyr and Killeagh for many years to come upon completion. The quality of life for the local residents will be far better once the project is completed."

Eoin Greene, AECOM Highways Ireland Director, said:

"The ROD-AECOM Alliance is very pleased to have been selected to deliver the next phases of the N25 Midleton to Youghal scheme, a project of national and regional significance. This project reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting our clients and delivering infrastructure that is resilient, future-ready, and aligned with Ireland's climate and future transportation goals."

ROD Director Eoin Ó Catháin said:

"We are delighted to support Cork County Council, Cork NRO, TII and the wider project team in delivering this critical piece of road infrastructure for national and regional connectivity. For ROD-AECOM, it is a welcome opportunity to expand our portfolio of major multi-modal transportation projects in Cork."

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell, said:

"The appointment of a highly experienced consultancy team will allow Cork County Council to develop and assess options for this important route, with public consultation planned later this year. This project will play a vital role in supporting the continued growth of East Cork, improving safety and efficiency along the N25, and improving transport links between Cork and Waterford for both commuters and businesses."

When completed, the upgraded route will improve freight connectivity to the ports of Cork, Waterford, and Rosslare Europort, as well as reducing commuter journey times across the East Cork region. Further updates on the project can be found on the Cork National Roads Office website at www.corkrdo.ie.