LAST UPDATE | 12 Feb

THE REDEVELOPMENT OF the Dunkettle interchange in Co Cork has officially launched today.

The €215 million project aims to alleviate congestion, improve safety, and streamline traffic flow for the region’s residents and businesses.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin opened the renovated site at an launch event this morning.

Before the ravamp, the interchange, which is located 6km east of Cork City, had one roundabout.

There was also an overpass for traffic travelling east to west along the N25, and vice versa. Drivers not using the overpass had to use the roundabout.

The new development includes four roundabouts, as well as multiple direct road links between the N8, the N25 and the N40 and links to the R623 Regional Road in Little Island and Burys Bridge in Dunkettle.

The interchange also has new infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists. Several culverts have been put in place where the roads cross waterways.

Around 94,000 vehicles are expected to drive through the interchange every day.

Most of the upgraded infrastructure has already been operational, while the newest portion is the link from the east to the M8.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin described the upgrade as an “extraordinary engineering achievement”.

“This will make a huge difference when it comes to business, tourism, public transport and road safety in Cork,” he wrote on social media.

A great privilege to officially open the Dunkettle Interchange today - an extraordinary engineering achievement.

This will make a huge difference when it comes to business, tourism, public transport and road safety in Cork. pic.twitter.com/uqZsg2Lfdd

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) February 12, 2024

Delighted to attend the official opening of the Dunkettle Interchage Upgrade Scheme. 🚗🚧⛔️

The project has delivered eighteen new road links totalling 10km in length and seven new bridge structures, as well as upgrade works.
2.9km of new walkways and cycleways have also been… pic.twitter.com/YhFaaJgY7l

— Colm Burke TD (@ColmBurkeTD) February 12, 2024

Cork Chamber, representing businesses, said the project will improve connectivity and accessibility and “also contributes to our broader sustainability goals with new cycle routes an integral part of the upgrade”.

“Having adequate and efficient infrastructure for our growing population is key to enhancing Cork’s profile as an attractive place to live, work and invest in,” Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy said.

Delighted to attend official opening of the Dunkettle Interchage Upgrade Scheme.
The project has been delivered within budget & on time. @cllrkmac pic.twitter.com/5I5CbajckF

— Senator Jerry Buttimer (@jerrybuttimer) February 12, 2024