Macroom By-pass gets the go-ahead

Plans for a multimillion euro bypass on a major bottleneck along the main Cork to Kerry road have taken a major step forward. A High Court challenge against the Macroom bypass on the N22 has concluded. The High court has dismissed an application for appeal of the approval of the dual carriageway from Ballyvourney to Coolcower. It was feared that the new road would effect the local environment. The decision now clears the way for the first phase of the compulsory purchase order process to begin. The road will run from Coolcower on the eastern side of Macroom to Sliabh Riogh in Ballyvourney. The bypass will include 22km of dual carriageway, five roundabouts, and over 20 bridges, with construction expected to take at least two years. However, government funding for the scheme, which is expected to cost up to €231 million, has not yet been sanctioned.

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