“The main street in Mallow has become a traffic blackspot as a result of people having to use the main street as a traffic corridor. People now avoid main street unless absolutely necessary,” said to a spokesperson for
Mallow Representative Group (MRG) which met Minister Paschal Donohoe in Dublin yesterday, Wednesday, to press for a bypass for the town.
“Mallow is constantly in a traffic jam at the moment. Trying to carry out deliveries in town is almost impossible, taking up to three or four times what might be expected. Also, it has stopped us investing or upgrading as our future is uncertain due to slowing retail in Mallow,” the spokesperson continued.
MRG is calling on the Minister for Transport, Sport and Tourism, Paschal Donohoe, to include the project in the Government’s Capital Investment Pro-gramme, and is asking that the National Roads Author-ity
reactivate the project for the N72/N73 Mallow Bypass and proceed with the Planning and Develop-ment of the Road in 2015.
Mallow Representative Group represents a collab-oration between Mallow Chamber, Mallow Development Partnership, local industry and business. The campaign is also supported by Cork County Council.
According to a report sub-mitted to the group by
Indecon International Economic Consultants, the project would deliver overall user benefits in the order of €90 million, while facilitating the commercial revitalisation of Mallow town centre, reducing journey times and maximising local and regional connectivity, developing and expanding the agri–food sector and protecting employment, enhancing the marketability and attractiveness of Mallow area for foreign and indigenous investment, and boosting tourism.
Minister of State Seán Sherlock, who initiated the meeting with the minister, said that the report made a strong business case for the relief road, “a road that is vital for the continued advancement of the town”. Deputy Tom Barry said he had lobbied all the relevant ministers to promote “this vital piece of infrastructure, which is vital not only for Mallow, but for all of mid-Munster”.