The new M28 motorway is set to move another step closer to the second phase of preparatory works.
The works are to provide a road corridor to the Port of Cork, and will involve tree planting and landscaping to improve the physical and visual integration of the road.
The works are part of the Core Trans‐European Transport Network which has been underway since last year with the route corridor cleared and fenced from Carrs Hill to the Port in Ringaskiddy at a cost of €1.2 million.
Work is due to begin shortly on clearing trees from Carrs Hill to the Rochestown Slip road at the Bloomfield interchange, which is needed to finalise the detailed design of the motorway, its interchanges and associated works.
As part of the scheme over 20 hectares of new trees and shrubs will later be planted. All landscaping measures will be in keeping with the existing character of the landscape, with only native species of tree such as Hybrid Oak, Scots Pine, Hawthorn, Hazel, Holly, Blackthorn, Birch and Grey Willow being used.
Sean Callery, Senior Engineer with the Cork National Roads Office said:
“The M28 Cork Ringaskiddy motorway will bring strong economic benefits with access to the Port of Cork’s new container terminal, as well as the IDA lands in this area. But importantly, the route will be developed with its surrounding environment to the fore. What must be removed during the preparatory phase will be replaced and, more importantly, added to. It is our stated intention to increase and improve the quality of native trees and foliage along the entire route. ”
