Minister O’Brien announces M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Road Project

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has announced that the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Road Project has been approved by Cabinet today and will immediately progress to the construction phase.

The project involves the construction of approximately 11km of motorway from the N40 Bloomfield Interchange to Barnahely, with a 1.5km single carriageway protected road linking to the eastern side of Ringaskiddy. This 1.5km section is being undertaken as “advance works” and is already under construction. 

The project will replace the existing N28, which was not designed to accommodate current traffic volumes. It will greatly improve road safety with reduced potential for collisions. 

It will also improve access to the Port of Cork at Ringaskiddy, allowing for the transfer of port activities from Tivoli in Cork city centre. In turn, this will facilitate the redevelopment of lands at Tivoli for residential and commercial purposes.

The estimated total scheme cost of the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Road Project is approximately €456 million and it will take up to three years to complete.

Following today’s cabinet approval Minister Darragh O’Brien said: 

“This major new road project will greatly improve access to the Port of Cork at Ringaskiddy, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods to and from the port, while also supporting the additional port activities to Ringaskiddy.

As a result, lands at Tivoli Docks in Cork city can be repurposed for much-needed residential and commercial development. I also welcome the positive impact the project will have on journey times for commuters as well as its role in easing congestion and improving air quality in Shanbally and Ringaskiddy.”

Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney. said: 

“This project will deliver improved road safety for all road users travelling to and from Ringaskiddy. I also welcome the fact that it includes a number of active travel elements which will make walking and cycling more attractive to commuters and local residents.”

Minister of State for Transport with responsibility for rural transport, Jerry Buttimer, said:

 “I welcome the approval of the M28 project. In addition to the benefits it will deliver for access to the port at Ringaskiddy and for road safety, the project will also benefit the people of Cork with further development of bus-based public transport, and by reducing journey times for those on their daily commute.

As a TD in Cork South Central, I have engaged with communities and business on this project for decades. I am glad it is being delivered and is a priority for this government.”

Peter Walsh Chief Executive of Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), said: 

“TII welcomes Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien's announcement today. The M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy project upon completion will provide a high-quality motorway standard connection to one of Ireland’s deep-water ports in Ringaskiddy, offering safer travel for all road users and relieve traffic congestion for residents and businesses alike. It will also complete another important link in the Trans‐European Transport Network (TEN-T), a vital transportation network that connects the island of Ireland to the rest of Europe and the world.”