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AtkinsRéalis appointed to deliver the Cork City Northern Transport Project technical consultancy services

AtkinsRéalis – a member of the AtkinsRéalis Group – has been appointed by Cork City Council, in conjunction with Cork County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), to develop and appraise options for the Cork City Northern Transport Project (formerly Cork North Ring Road), culminating in the selection of a preferred transport option.

The Cork City Northern Transport Project is included in Project Ireland 2040 – the Government’s long term strategy to improve public infrastructure investment and support communities and businesses across Ireland – and is a key strategic transport objective for the Cork Metropolitan Area.

AtkinsRéalis will be responsible for delivering technical consultancy services through Phase 0 – Scope and Pre-Appraisal, Phase 1 – Concept and Feasibility and Phase 2 – Options Selection of the TII Project Management Guidelines, over a 24-month period. As part of the initial work, AtkinsRéalis will prepare a Strategic Assessment Report, which will set out the case for investment and the alignment with government policies, as well as the potential transport solutions that will be considered.

Richard Neuling, Technical Director at AtkinsRéalis, said: “The Cork City Northern Transport Project is a key project for supporting continued economic growth in Cork City and the wider region, and improving regional accessibility and connectivity to Ringaskiddy Port and Cork Airport. As part of an integrated transport strategy for the city, it will ensure other multi-modal transport infrastructure in the city will continue to function effectively, protecting public investment and enabling the city to adopt more sustainable transport modes.

“We look forward to delivering this project for Cork and developing the optimum solution for an integrated, sustainable, low carbon transport system.”

John Stapleton, Senior Engineer at Cork City Council, commented:Cork City is set to experience significant population and economic growth in the period to 2040 as referenced in Project Ireland 2040, the National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan. Sustainable growth of the type anticipated will help drive the local, regional and national economy. To achieve these broad strategic objectives the state recognises the need to invest in transport infrastructure, in particular where such investment levers value and integrates existing transport infrastructure.

“The Cork City Northern Transport Project will serve just such a function. It is an essential piece of transport infrastructure, providing much needed connectivity around Cork City. Cork City Council is delighted to be working on this strategically important project with AtkinsRéalis, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and Cork County Council.”

AtkinsRéalis has completed a number of major transport projects in Ireland, including the M7 Naas Newbridge Bypass Upgrade, Sallins Bypass and Sligo Western Distributor Road. AtkinsRéalis is also currently delivering major transport schemes including DART+ South West, TII Motorway Contracts Audit and Administration Services, N25 Waterford to Glenmore and active travel projects including the Galway Cycle Network, Boyne Greenway and the Fingal Way.