Sherlock renews appeal for funding for N73 upgrades

Following repeated questions to the Government and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Cork East TD Seán Sherlock has said that more funding must be unlocked for the N73 Mallow to Mitchelstown Road.

“We are still at the same point funding-wise as we have been for a number of months,” said Deputy Sherlock.

“The allocated €1.8 million is welcome. It should be fast tracked so we see boots on the ground as quickly as possible, however it is clear that more funding is required to make this road safe. We have to see the Government unlock more funding, this year, for the N73 and allocate it the priority it deserves.”

Michael Kennedy, Head of Regulatory and Administration for Transport Infrastructure Ireland, responded to Mr Sherlock’s call for action.

“The N73 Clogher Cross to Waterdyke scheme is one of two minor improvement schemes being progressed by Cork County Council on the N73. The scheme has been progressed through planning and design, and the construction tender documents have been prepared to go to tender this year. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has provided an allocation of €1,500,000 to Cork County Council for 2021 to enable this work to progress.”

The N73 Annakisha South Improvement Scheme, however, has not been approved any additional funding, though planning approval has been granted. The scheme was allocated €300,000 in 2021.

“The N73 Annakisha South Improvement scheme, the other minor scheme on the N73, has also received planning approval and tender documents have been prepared. Unfortunately, the amount of funding available and the number of schemes that can move to construction in any given year is limited. Therefore, future construction of this section of national road will depend on the level of funding available to TII for national roads generally and the relative prioritisation of this scheme when compared with similar schemes nationally. TII have provided an allocation of €300,000 for this scheme in 2021.”