N25 - Carrigtwohill Midleton Interchanges:

INTRODUCTION:
The construction of the N25 Carrigtohill - Midleton Road Improvement Scheme is seen as an important strategic infrastructural requirement to improve the road network in the vicinity of Carrigtohill and Midleton. The completion of the project will reduce traffic congestion, improve access and lead to increased levels of safety for road users on the N25.

CORK AREA STRATEGIC PLAN 2001-2020:
The Cork Area Strategic Plan (CASP) sets out a land use and transportation strategy for Metropolitan Cork extending from 2001 to 2020. Extensive growth will be focused in Carrigtohill, which is well located for both industry and housing development and has the ability to absorb further growth in a sustainable manner. For similar reasons, Midleton is expected to continue its rapid growth over the next 20 years to become the largest town in the east of Metropolitan Cork. The transport strategy for Midleton involves re-opening the railway, a new railway station, feeder buses, walk and cycle links to the railway station; an improved and extended local road network to serve development areas; a reduction in traffic and traffic impact on the town centre; a local transport plan for the town and hinterland. The proposed N25 Carrigtohill - Midleton Road Improvement Scheme accords with the policy objectives of CASP.

CORK COUNTY DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2003):
The proposed N25 Carrigtohill - Midleton Road Improvement Scheme is guided by the policy objectives of the National Roads Authority (NRA) and the Roads Section of Cork County Council. The final scheme will comprise the best roads transportation solution for the area. The construction of the proposed scheme is in accordance with Objective INF 1-12 of the County Plan, as it forms part of the National Roads Authoritys strategy for the national road network and will lead to an improvement in East Corks road transportation system.

SPECIAL LOCAL AREA PLANS:
The Special Local Area Plans for Carrigtohill and Midleton recognise that the current system of at-grade junctions, ghost islands, and breaks in the central reservation along the N25 are creating safety hazards. It is also noted that the slip roads in the area are substandard and may require improvements as the towns develop. Paragraph 7.5.4 of the Midleton Special Local Area Plan states as follows in relation to the N25 Cork - Rosslare National Primary Route: 'Although the route is constructed to two-lane dual carriageway standard, the section from Carrigtohill to Midleton is to a lesser standard than the more modern western section. The NRA proposes to provide a full grade separation of the junctions to the west'.