M28 Motorway Construction Enters Major Phase with Controlled Blasting Set for August
M28 motorway construction accelerates with controlled blasting starting 19 August and major earthworks progressing across Cork to Ringaskiddy route.
The M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Motorway Scheme is advancing rapidly with significant earthworks underway and controlled rock blasting scheduled to begin on 19 August 2025, marking a crucial milestone in the project that will transform access to Cork's pharmaceutical and shipping hub.
Construction activities are now well established across multiple sections of the route, with earthworks progressing between Carrs Hill and Shannonpark. Site clearance continues along the off-ramp to Rochestown from the N28, while ducting works proceed near St Patrick's Church in Rochestown.
Major Blasting Operations Begin Next Month
Rock excavation through controlled blasting will commence on Tuesday, 19 August 2025, in a cutting area north of Shannon Park Roundabout. The blasting will follow a regular pattern between Monday and Friday during daylight hours, continuing until February 2026.
BAM, the main contractor, has confirmed that all blasting activities will comply with statutory requirements and relevant codes of practice. The company will notify all relevant parties in advance of any blasting activity to ensure public safety and minimise disruption.
Increased Traffic Expected on N28
Material movement from Barnahely to Shanbally will result in additional truck movements along the N28 over the coming weeks. Heavy vehicles will travel from the R613 in Ringaskiddy towards Shanbally, turning left approximately 150 metres before Shanbally roundabout to facilitate embankment construction.
Topsoil stripping is scheduled between Barnahely and Raffeen in the coming weeks, while consultation with utility providers continues to coordinate remaining service diversions.
Public Queries and Contact Information
Des Gilsenan, Public Relations Officer for BAM, is available to address construction-related queries. The company has established a dedicated email address at m28queries@bam.com, with a phone line to follow shortly.
Ringaskiddy Village Transformation Nearly Complete
The Ringaskiddy Urban Realm project is approaching completion with substantial improvements visible throughout the village. Road resurfacing has commenced and should finish by mid-August, while footpaths and feature paving are substantially complete.
Remaining street furniture will be installed over the coming weeks in the village centre and near the playground. Final landscaping work will follow road surfacing completion, creating a transformed community space.
Temporary traffic management, including traffic lights and flagmen, will continue operating during August. Some parking spaces remain temporarily unavailable, though Cork County Council is working with Coffey Construction to maintain two-way traffic where possible and minimise delays.
Relief Road Makes Steady Progress
The Ringaskiddy Relief Road continues advancing on schedule. At Barnahely Roundabout, most kerbing is now in place with utility diversions progressing well. The first section of road pavement has been laid between Barnahely and Old Post Office Road.
Foundation works for the new underpass at Old Post Office Road are underway, with installation scheduled over the next two weeks. Excavation continues in the Loughbeg Road cut alongside drainage installation, while brick paving at Ringaskiddy Roundabout nears completion.
