Minister O’Keeffe presses ahead with effort to build Macroom bypass

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O'Keeffe TD, has rejected assertions from Fine Gael that the Macroom by-pass has been shelved, saying the project is advancing through a number of planning and design phases before construction can begin.

Minister O'Keeffe said the project is at preliminary design phase and a decision from An Bord Pleanála is awaited.

'The next phase includes advance works, the preparation of construction documents preparation, tender and the award of the contract.

'The compulsory purchase order for the western section of the route from Coolcour to Ballyvourney, which includes the Macroom bypass, has been published and submitted to An Bord Pleanála,' said Minister O'Keeffe.

Minister O'Keeffe acknowledged that, while progress on major roads projects is often frustratingly slow, the priority now must be to 'move the project through the various stages as quickly as possible and on to construction'.

'I am working with the National Roads Authority and my Cabinet colleague, Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey, to advance the project to construction as quickly as possible.

'It should be pointed out, though, that negative campaigning on the part of Fine Gael is unhelpful and not in the best interests of local people.

'This project is important to the people of Cork North-West and it needs support, not derision, to advance through the normal pre-construction phases.

'Deputy Creed was on the wrong side of history when he backed a Dublin-based TD over Enda Kenny for the leadership of his party a few weeks ago.

'My hope is that his sense of priority is not as misplaced when it comes to supporting local constituency roads projects here in Cork,' said Minister O'Keeffe.