Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy O'Flynn for this very important question, and for his commitment to the people of Mallow. I look forward to working with him because we both share a desire to see the town of Mallow continue to flourish and develop. As he is aware, the National Transport Authority's Local Link and rural transport programme is, in the case of Cork, managed and administered in Cork by the Local Link offices in Bantry and Fermoy.

Cork has seen considerable investment in regular rural bus services including the introduction of a number of new bus services. The route 530, connecting Fermoy and Mallow, began in August this year. Current passenger numbers are approximately 400 per week and are expected to grow over time as the route settles into operation. Route 243, from Newmarket to Cork via Mallow, was also enhanced in June. Route 515, connecting Mallow to Killarney, is at an advanced stage of planning and the commencement date is subject to the availability of funding. An increase in funding for public transport services, including rural transport, will be considered in the upcoming budget 2026 discussions.

Any additional proposals are considered as part of an ongoing review of rural transport and town services. I am informed by the NTA that it has no current plans to introduce an orbital local bus service in Mallow. However, the NTA has told me that it will explore options to provide local public transport connections within Mallow on new and existing local and regional services, subject to securing relevant stopping place approvals and construction of bus stop infrastructure, which is important.

In February this year, an Exchequer investment of €713 million for regional and local roads - as mentioned by the Deputy - across the State was also announced, under which Cork County Council received an allocation of approximately €83 million. In this allocation, €700,000 was put aside for the Mallow relief road. The scheme consists of a bypass of Mallow with the objective of removing east-west traffic from the town centre. The options selection phase has been completed, and as the Deputy is aware, a submission to An Coimisiún Pleanála is expected in April 2026. I will conclude on this point. The Government and I believe that the impact of the Mallow relief road project on traffic in Mallow town centre will be significant.

See this speech in context