Funding for N28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Road gets the go ahead under €27bn Capital Investment Plan – Buttimer

Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central, Jerry Buttimer, has said that the inclusion of funding for the N28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Road under today’s Capital Investment Plan is great news for everyone in Cork.

“The Capital Investment Plan will see €27billion invested in roads, rail, health facilities, schools and broadband, which will make a major difference for communities across Cork city and county. 

“The Plan has allocated funding for work on the N28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Road, which will go ahead if planning permission is secured. This is a project which has been long called for and it’s great to know that the money is now available to complete this project. This makes it even more important that we continue towards securing planning permission.

“The Plan has also approved funding for work on the Dunkettle Interchange, which will improve travel times, make the road safer and make Cork more attractive to businesses.

“In light of the recent flooding experienced in Cork city and the high risk of considerable damage to property from both tidal and river flooding, the development and construction of a flood defence scheme for the city has been given a high priority under this plan. The plan will support the largest ever flood defence scheme undertaken by the Office of Public Works and will offer protection from flooding to around 2,000 residential and commercial properties.  The scheme will take at least 4 to 5 years to complete. Subject to a successful public consultation on the proposals and statutory approval, it is expected that works will commence in 2016. The total investment will be ?m over a six year period. 

“Under the Capital Plan funding will also be made available for Haulbowline Island. This funding of €10 million next year and ?million in total over the next five years will be used for the preparation, design and execution of a permanent ‘clean-up’ of the East Tip site, the former Factory Site and the South Tip at the Island, following completion of site investigations, examinations and surveys. 

“The Government is committed to the further development of the Irish Maritime Energy Resource Cluster (IMERC) in Cork. This important initiative supports jobs and urban renewal and regeneration in the area. It is regarded by Government as an important national project.  Detailed proposals for a number of individual component projects are being finalised and will be supported under the Capital Plan.

“It is also proposed to provide €11million for the Cork Event Centre; a multi-million euro 6,000-seat venue on the historic Beamish & Crawford brewery site on South Main Street.

“In addition to investment in roads, the Capital Investment Plan will also see considerable investment in Garda stations and Garda resources across the country, as well as a €10 million refurbishment programme for the courts service. 

“The Plan announced by Government is affordable, sensible and it is consistent with our plan to eliminate borrowing by 2018. It will promote regional economic growth, supporting 45,000 construction jobs over the lifetime of the plan.

“The decisions taken by this Government have brought us to an important time in our recovery. We are the fastest growing economy in Europe and we are creating over 1,300 new jobs a week. This plan will help spread the recovery around the country where we know many families have yet to feel the effects of the recovery.

“This is a good day for Cork and very welcome news for people across the city and county.”