Major M28 Works to Begin Rock Blasting as Ringaskiddy Projects Progress

• Construction activity intensifies across Cork's major infrastructure projects, with controlled blasting set to commence on the M28 next Thursday whilst the Ringaskiddy Urban Realm nears its September opening.

Work on the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Motorway Scheme is advancing steadily, with earthworks progressing from Shannonpark to embankment fill areas both east and west of the roundabout. Topsoil stripping continues between Barnahely and Rafeen as contractors prepare the route for the next phase of construction.

Tree felling, mulching and root removal operations will continue along the off-ramp to Rochestown from the N28 throughout next week. Motorists should expect localised traffic management on the slip road to ensure safety during these works. In Rochestown village, ducting works near St Patrick's Church will also continue under traffic management measures.

A significant milestone for the project arrives on Thursday 21 August 2025, when controlled rock blasting is scheduled to commence in a cutting area north of the Shannon Park Roundabout. These blasting activities will occur at specific notified times in a regular pattern between Monday and Friday during daylight hours, continuing through to February 2026.

BAM contractors have assured residents that all blasting will be conducted in accordance with statutory requirements and relevant codes of practice, designed to prevent adverse impacts to the public, property and environment. The company will notify all relevant parties in advance of any blasting activity.

Material import for the motorway junction at Shanbally continues, with lorries travelling along the N28 from the R613 in Ringaskiddy towards Shanbally before turning left approximately 150 metres before the roundabout. Ecology protection measures remain in place as site clearance works progress, helping to safeguard the local environment.

Meanwhile, the Ringaskiddy Urban Realm and Active Travel Scheme is entering its final stages ahead of an official opening scheduled for early September 2025. Night works will continue throughout next week for road resurfacing, followed by road markings. Daytime activities will focus on finishing touches including landscaping and signage installation, with traffic disruption expected to be minimal.

Progress on the Ringaskiddy Relief Road continues at several locations. At Barnahely Roundabout, offline works are focusing on drainage and diversions of both gas and water mains on the western side, whilst earthworks continue for construction of the L6474 West Link Road.

A new underpass at Old Post Office Road was successfully installed between 30 July and 1 August. To complete excavation works on Loughbeg Road, traffic will be reduced to one lane for approximately 10 weeks, with traffic management in operation throughout.

All services and drainage have been laid through the main cut at Loughbeg, with the surface water drainage channel now installed. The area will be prepared for surfacing over the coming weeks. Brick paving at Ringaskiddy Roundabout has been completed, with installation of signage, fencing and the final surface course planned in the coming weeks.

Cork County Council continues to coordinate all traffic management measures with contractors across the various projects to minimise disruption to the travelling public.