NRA objects over planning go-ahead

A local authority is being taken to task by the National Roads Authority (NRA) for allegedly creating traffic hazards on one of the country’s busiest tourist routes.

The NRA is objecting to Kerry County Council granting planning permission for three houses near Kenmare, on the Ring of Kerry, and has lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanála, claiming that additional entrances to the N71 road would increase accident risks.

The NRA’s senior policy adviser Tara Spain said spatial planning and national roads guidelines directed planning authorities to avoid additional traffic from new developments onto national routes with speed limits over 60km/h.

The applications in question are on a section of the Kenmare to Sneem road which has a 100km/h limit.

A number of houses already access the road, but the NRA claims increased traffic would be a danger to public safety.

A decision on the Kenmare appeal is due on November 14.