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Following the recent completion of the N22 Macroom to Baile Bhuirne bypass, Cork County Council has announced a further boost for the communities of Macroom, Baile Mhic Íre, Baile Bhuirne and surrounds. Fehily Timoney and Company have been appointed as technical advisors to oversee the design of the Baile Bhuirne to Macroom Active Travel project for the development of active travel facilities along the old N22 route.

Funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the contract will oversee the preliminary stages of the project from Phase Two Options Selection to Phase Four Statutory Process.

Welcoming the next step for the project, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Frank O’Flynn said:

“This scheme offers a significant opportunity to provide active travel facilities that will improve mobility and accessibility in and around Macroom, Baile Mhic Íre, Baile Bhuirne and the surrounding community. Safe facilities for walking and cycling will enable students to travel to school, increase footfall for local businesses and provide healthy ways to traverse and explore these vibrant communities rich in history and culture.”

This initial phase of the project is estimated to take two and a half years to complete and will go through various stages such as option selection, design and environmental evaluation, public consultation and ultimately the statutory process before progressing to construction. On completion, the proposed scheme will extend from the N22 Bypass western tie-in junction, approximately 2.2km west of Baile Bhuirne to Coolcower to the east.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Valerie O’Sullivan, added:

“The now-completed bypass has removed a significant amount of traffic from the town of Macroom and the villages of Baile Mhic Íre and Baile Bhuirne allowing these communities to flourish again. As can be seen from the earlier opening of the Macroom Bypass section, there has been an immediate reduction in air pollutants of over 50% providing a very strong start to the decarbonisation of the town, we are confident that similar benefits are to follow for Baile Mhic Íre and Baile Bhuirne. This Active Travel Plan is the next natural step to a more connected and sustainable community.”