Emerging preferred route announced for long-awaited Cork road project 

The emerging preferred route for the long-awaited Cork northern distributor road has been published, with a public consultation process launched today which will run until Thursday, April 10.

The proposed new road will be 14km long, running from the Carrigrohane Rd in the west to Glanmire in the east, crossing the northside of Cork city via Hollyhill, Dublin Hill and Banduff.

Proposals for the Cork Northern Distributor Multi-Modal Road (CNDMR) were contained in the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS), published in 2020, which detailed the transportation investment required to the development of Cork until 2040.

Unveiling the emerging preferred route for the CNDMR, Cork City Council, working with the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the Department of Transport, invited of the public to participate in a non-statutory public consultation.

The new road would provide a strategic orbital transport corridor around the northside of Cork city, including bus lanes and bus stops, cycle lanes, footpaths, pedestrian crossings, as well as the traffic lanes in each direction.

It is envisaged by the city council, NTA and Department of Transport that the CNDMR will provide safe, dedicated infrastructure for active travel, public transport and general traffic.

It is also hoped that as well as improving journey times for all road s and improving access to areas of employment, it will also unlock zoned land on the northside of the city for future residential and commercial development.

Speaking at the launch of the public consultation, the Lord Mayor of Cork, Green Party councillor Dan Boyle, said the plan would be crucial for improving sustainable transport options across the city, prioritising non-car-based transport modes.

“It will bring greater connectivity to both existing and new communities in this part of the city and beyond,” he said.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to look at the plans and make their views known.” 

Valerie O’Sullivan, chief executive of Cork City Council, said the new road would ease the movement of people and trade across the city and unlock opportunities for further investment.

“The public consultation process is a significant milestone in the delivery of the scheme, which will bring benefits to our city not only in of transportation improvement, but also enabling Cork to deliver its growth targets in of population, employment and sustainability,” she said.

Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy said the route would be critical for all those living and working on Cork’s northside.

“The new route will also unlock zoned lands to allow for housing and business development, ing the growth of sustainable urban communities.

“Cork Chamber looks forward to seeing delivery of the CNDMR without delay,” he said.

Dave O’Brien, president of Cork Business Association, said it was a positive step forward that the emerging preferred route was now open for public consultation.

“The consultation process is the starting point here — improving transportation infrastructure and advancing our city’s progress,” he said.

“I urge everyone to engage with the plans and contribute their to help shape this important project.” 

As part of the consultation process, Cork City Council will be holding four public information open days, where of the public can view the proposed route and speak to of the project team.

The open days will take place on the following dates:

• Wednesday, March 5, at Clayton Silversprings Hotel, Tivoli, from 10am to 8pm.
• Wednesday, March 12, at The Maldron Hotel, John Redmond St, Shandon from 10am to 8pm.
• Friday, March 21, at Blackpool Shopping Centre, Blackpool from 10am to 8pm.
• Tuesday, March 25 at City Hall, Anglesea St from 10am until 5pm.

Plans and a route map can also be viewed on www.cndmrpublicconsultation.ie and of the public are invited to make submissions either via this website, in person at the public open days, or in writing to: CNDMR Public Consultation, Infrastructure Development Directorate, Cork City Council, City Hall, Anglesea Street, Cork, T12 T997.

The consultation period runs until 5pm on Thursday, 10 April.