The final section of the N22 Macroom bypass in Co Cork has been officially opened by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.
Transport Infrastructure Ireland says the now-completed 22 kilometre route - built at a cost of €280 million - will cut travel time between Cork and Killarney by up to 17 minutes.
Work began on the dual carriageway between Macroom and the gaeltacht village of Baile Bhuirne in January 2020.
The then taoiseach and now Tánaiste Micheál Martin officially opened the first section of the route last December, with the second section of the dual carriageway opened in August this year.
Today, the final 6km section of the route was officially opened.
Mr Varadkar said the road will reduce journey times, remove congestion from the towns and villages along the route and reduce road deaths.
There have been 11 deaths along the old route in recent years.
"By improving connectivity between Cork, Killarney and Tralee for business and tourism, this project will boost local, regional and national development".
Construction was undertaken by Jons Civil Engineering Company Limited and John Cradock Limited working together as a joint venture. The project was funded by Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
The number of work-hours during the construction stage was 1.8 million with some 300 construction staff working each day during the peak.
The completed route extends from the eastern side of Macroom at Coolcower to the townland of An Sliabh Riabhach on the western side of Baile Bhuirne.
Macroom and the gaeltacht villages of Baile Mhic Íre and Baile Bhuirne are bypassed as part of the project.
The Mayor of County Cork, Councillor Frank O'Flynn, said today marks an important day for the people of the Gaeltacht Mhúscraí.
"When the first section of this project opened in December 2022 air pollution in Macroom town immediately reduced by more than 50%, supporting the process of decarbonisation of Macroom.
"We hope to see a similar benefit for Baile Mhic Íre and Baile Bhuirne. The reduction in heavy goods vehicles will make access to the local schools and businesses a lot safer. The improved connectivity between both Cork and Killarney will also make this area more attractive for housing developments," he said.
Construction of the route was initially held up due to concerns about its potential impact on the rare Kerry slug, which is native to Baile Bhuirne, but the road design was later adapted to protect its ecosystem.
TII CE Peter Walsh said the project was innovative in many ways including the use of a carbon tool to record its footprint which will be of significant benefit in the planning of future projects.
