Cork County Council has issued the tender for the motorway section of the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Project.

This scheme, part of the Core Trans-European Transport Network, will facilitate the strategic development of the Port of Cork's facilities in Ringaskiddy and support economic growth both locally and nationally.

Funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the design and build contract will see the construction of approximately 11km of mainline motorway from the Bloomfield Interchange to Barnahely. A construction contract for the delivery of 1.5 kilometres of single carriageway from Barnahely to the Port of Cork in Ringaskiddy is expected to be awarded later this year.

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The initial enabling works phase of the project has been underway for the past two years. This phase has included the diversion of major utilities, archaeological investigations and environmental mitigation efforts, all in accordance with the commitments outlined in the Scheme’s Environmental Impact Statement.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Joe Carroll, welcomed the announcement, he said: "This represents a significant milestone for Cork County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland’s project team. It will also feature a number of active travel measures with an interface with the Lee to Sea greenway planned."

Pending Cabinet approval, it is expected that construction will begin in 2025, with a projected timeline of 36 months. The M28 motorway will play a crucial role in Cork's road infrastructure, improving connectivity with key urban areas like Carrigaline and providing essential access to the Port of Cork facilities in Ringaskiddy.