BAM has completed an €11.7 million critical infrastructure development at Water-Rock near Midleton, which will support 2500 homes, three schools, a neighbourhood centre, a railway station and parks.

The Mayor of County Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll and Tánaiste Micheál Martin TD officially opened the development, funded by the Government’s Local Infrastructure Housing Activation Fund (LIHAF) and Cork County Council. The project includes 1.7 kilometre of link roads, surface water drainage, utilities, public lighting and landscaping. The design and planning were completed by AtkinsRéalis.

The road is an important part of the Water-Rock Urban Expansion Area. Planning permission has already been granted for 1,400 residential units and construction of housing along the road has commenced.

-- Advertisement --

Sustainability and biodiversity are central to the project, including measures like transplanting a population of rare Bee Orchids, reusing site-won materials and locally sourced fill to reduce the carbon footprint and using LED lighting for both public and construction phase task lighting to minimise energy consumption.

Alasdair Henderson, Executive Director for BAM Ireland said: "As a purpose-led business, we aim to create a sustainable infrastructure that meets the needs of society whilst ensuring that we leave a lasting legacy. We are delighted to deliver this vital infrastructure project that will enable the development of essential housing and commercial premises in the Water-Rock community."

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll said: "This new road infrastructure will be hugely beneficial for Midleton and East Cork. It opens the available land for much needed housing without burdening existing infrastructure. The construction of housing is underway and eventually there will be 2,500 homes in this area. The infrastructure also supports compact growth and sustainable development. We have wonderful wide footpaths and cycle lanes that are already being used by the local community. In time, there will be parks, schools, a new railway station and a connection to the Cork to Midleton interurban cycleway, all of which will benefit the wider community."

The Water-Rock LIHAF initiative won the award for Best Innovation in Urban Planning at the 2023 LAMA Awards.