A ceremony has been held in Kanturk, Co Cork, to mark the official opening of the €1.95 million Link Road.

Local and government representatives were on hand to celebrate the occasion ahead of the route opening to traffic later this month.

Running from Bluepool Upper to the Mill Road, the road will improve connectivity, and access, to Kanturk Town Centre and to the new National School which is being constructed on Mill Road. It includes footpaths, cycle tracks, two pedestrian crossings, public lighting, drainage and ducting facilities. 

The 450 metre carriageway follows the path of a former railway line with a section of the original rail line unearthed during construction. The rails have been salvaged and refurbished and will be reset as a monument to the history of the railway. An information sign is also due to be installed during December.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Gillian Coughlan was joined by Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD and Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey to mark the official opening of the route.

Commenting at the event, Mayor Coughlan said: "It is wonderful that the railway heritage of Kanturk is being remembered as part of the Kanturk Link Road. The 14km railway line operated for almost 75 years, from Banteer Station on the Mallow-Killarney line, through Kanturk, to Newmarket. It began transporting goods and passengers in 1889 as part of efforts to provide access to more of the county. The Link Road is a continuation and an evolution of that endeavour. It encourages sustainable transport and will help alleviate traffic congestion in the town of Kanturk."

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Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD commented: "I am delighted to see the completion of this important road project which will really unlock the future development potential of Kanturk. I want to acknowledge the hard work of Cork County Council and congratulate all those involved in delivering this key project. A key part of the recently published National Development Plan is to enhance regional connectivity to revitalise our rural towns and villages and to strengthen rural economies and communities. This relief road will be critical to reducing congestion in the town centre and freeing up space for small businesses. The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund has been key in delivering this project and I hope it can serve as a template for other towns throughout Cork and the country."

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey added: "Cork County Council is committed to achieving sustainable social and economic development in rural areas. The Kanturk Link Road is an important project for us that will facilitate further development opportunities in the surrounding area. It also aims to provide a safer environment for all road users. The Link Road provides access to the new national school which is currently under construction. I hope it will give additional confidence to parents and students to walk and cycle to this school when it opens next year as well as providing an opportunity for the wider town and community to become more active in their daily commuting."

The Kanturk Link Road was funded by Cork County Council and the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) as part of Project Ireland 2040. The project began in January 2021 and was completed on schedule with contractors McGinty & O'Shea's Ltd.