Fianna Fáil TD for Cork South Central Michael McGrath says Cork motorists will pay the price for the government’s failure to deliver the upgrade of the Dunkettle interchange on time.
Deputy McGrath was speaking following confirmation that Transport Infrastructure Ireland is to retender the project having failed to reach an agreement with the stage one contractors Sisk on the cost of the main construction contract.
Deputy McGrath commented, “This is a very serious blow for Cork. The upgrade of the Dunkettle interchange was held up as the flagship government capital project in Cork and they have failed to deliver it. The traffic congestion at the Dunkettle roundabout and on the road network leading to the Jack Lynch tunnel is clear for all to see every day.
“This project is so badly needed, and this delay will mean more traffic congestion for Cork motorists for a longer period of time. This is a bitter pill to swallow for the people of Cork. There is no guarantee whatsoever that the government will save money by retendering this project. In fact, given the level of construction inflation at present, this delay could result in the project costing even more.
“It is telling that the TII has not said in its statement that it will save money by delaying this project. I doubt very much that it will. The people of Cork have been badly let down by the failure to proceed with this project.”
