Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Burke for his question and his ongoing advocacy on behalf of the people of Mallow. He has been very proactive on the matter.

As the Deputy will know, approximately €502 million of Exchequer capital funds has been provided for national roads through TII to local authorities this year. Included in this is an allocation of €700,000 for the Mallow relief road, which is progressing towards the completion of a preliminary business case and planning application. This scheme consists of a northern bypass of Mallow, with the objective of removing traffic travelling between Killarney and Mitchelstown or Fermoy from the town centre.

This scheme is a priority for me and for the Minister, Deputy O'Brien and the Minister of State, Deputy Canney, because as the Deputy knows, through his ongoing engagement and that of Councillor Liam Madden working with him, there is a real need for this road to be prioritised and developed. This will provide increased scope for development and public realm improvements in Mallow town centre, greatly improving the benefits for residents. The people of Mallow will also benefit from reduced congestion and improved air quality. Reduced congestion in the town centre will encourage walking and cycling and improve safety. The project will also act as an enabler for compact growth in the centre of Mallow, which is a national strategic outcome.

The project is currently in the design and environmental evaluation phase, which follows the conclusion of the route selection process. As part of this phase, there was a minor change of route at the western end of the scheme due to an interface with a Gas Networks Ireland transmission main and to reduce the level of impact caused by the earthworks. Cork County Council aims to complete a preliminary business case for the project by the end of this year. Subject to a satisfactory review by TII of the preliminary business case, it is expected that an application for planning permission for this project will be submitted to An Coimisiún Pleanála in the second quarter of 2026. I look forward to working with Deputy Burke to ensure the project progresses and reaches a satisfactory conclusion.

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