Pottery Road officially opened

A new road in Carrigaline has been designed to provide a safer environment for cyclists and pedestrians, Cork County Council said as the road was officially opened recently.

The €20m relief road extends from Ballea Road to Kilmoney Road, improving connectivity and access to Carrigaline town centre. The main line of the relief road is 750m running parallel with Carrigaline’s Main Street.

The scheme includes a double span bridge over the Owenabue River, a 1.5km dedicated cycle track, over 3kms of footpaths and finishes at Mill Road and a 700m urban road.

The new road is partially constructed on the former site of Carrigaline Pottery, which went on to inspire its name. Following a public competition, 5 names were shortlisted before elected members of Carrigaline Municipal District selected Pottery Road or Bóthar na Potaireachta as the new name for the Western Relief Road.

Further acknowledging the rich heritage of the area, the new bridge will be known as Garrydhu Bridge and the road from Pottery Road to Ballea Road, adjacent to the soccer club will be called Mill Road.

The road was officially opened by the Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Danny Collins, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey.

An Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD said: “The Western Relief Road will greatly improve safety and accessibility for the community, bringing real positive change in the daily lives of those who live and work in Carrigaline. The development has laid the foundation for new homes and community facilities in the future.

"It will encourage economic growth, supporting further investment and employment to the region. I look forward to seeing Carrigaline go from strength to strength in the years ahead and wish all who travel on the road a safe journey.”