On the 10^th June, Cork Chamber launched a report titled ‘Cork to the World’ - An Updated Economic Assessment of the N28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Scheme. The report, which was prepared by Indecon International Economic Consultants, sets out a number of definitive arguments that highlight the potential for economic growth, job creation and social benefits from upgrading the route.

The report identifies the following key benefits that would arise from completion of the N28 upgrade:

• Direct transport benefits in the form of reduced journey times and costs (including associated environmental costs) for road users on the immediate N28 corridor;
• Enhanced capacity to serve the external trading and connectivity requirements of the South-West’s business community through facilitating the development of the Port of Cork’s operations at Ringaskiddy and ensuring the provision of adequate port capacity;
• Improved capacity to serve and enhance the key industry cluster of multinationals and indigenous firms operating in the Ringaskiddy/Carrigaline area, and to support the development of the strategic IMERC maritime and energy research/industry cluster; and
• The scheme’s catalytic and influencing role in supporting wider regional development, including the development of the tourism sector and of the Cork Docklands.