05 December 2022

Macroom business owners, supported by the Lee Valley Enterprise Board, are preparing for a busy Christmas season thanks to the opening of a €280m bypass that will make the Market Town more welcoming than ever.

Situated midway between Cork City and Killarney, Macroom has a population of almost 4,000 people, but increased traffic congestion has badly affected trade and quality of life in the town in recent years, leading to calls for the N22 bypass.

With the bypass due to open on December 9th, business owners and traders in the town anticipate a busy holiday season, with a renewed sense of community in the town.

Lee Valley Enterprise Board is encouraging the people of Macroom and surrounds to shop locally this Christmas, and the Board predicts that if every adult in Macroom spends €50 in the town, it would bring in over €150,000 in revenue.

Henry Murphy of Matt Murphy’s Pharmacy, said: “Macroom has struggled with traffic congestion for some time now. We look out the window here in the pharmacy, and it is just bumper-to-bumper with no one intending to stop in the town.

“There are already signs of increased footfall, which of course is a hugely important step in rebuilding the town's identity. It will be the first time in many years that both locals and visitors will be able to park with ease and truly appreciate all that Macroom has to offer.

“There is certainly a lot more optimism and confidence across the town as we prepare for a very important Christmas, and beyond, welcoming visitors both new and old to the region.”

Adding to Mr Murphy’s comment’s, Cllr. Ted Lucey said: “Macroom is one of Cork County’s only traditional Market Towns and we have seen trade and tourism seriously impacted by the build up of traffic. If you mention Macroom to anyone, even locally, they know it as a bottleneck. Businesses and local residents in Macroom are delighted to see the new bypass open and look forward to providing memorable experiences for old and new visitors to the town.”

Mr Lucey continued, “Macroom has a very large hinterland compared to most towns. With a large number of surrounding villages who would generally like to use Macroom as there main shopping destination rather than travelling to other towns, it’s much easier for them now. We expect and welcome all those people back to their traditional shopping town without the hassle of traffic and encourage everyone to shop local this Christmas, and bring back that town spirit that we all know and love.”

Macroom is a unique place to visit with a host of walking routes close to the town, a golf course, castle, shops, nature reserve and much more.

For further information on Macroom, visit macroom.ie.