Killarney being ‘bypassed’ by new road signage, claims local businessman

Tourist town Killarney has been “bypassed” on road signs on a newly-opened €100m route in north Kerry, a prominent businessman in the town has claimed.

Accountant Kevin Moynihan said it was a “disgrace” that Killarney was ignored on signs on the northern approach to the bypass, where signage directs motorists to Cork, Killorglin, and Dingle.

“Killarney, the next major town from Tralee, is not mentioned any time until the very end of the bypass,” said Mr Moynihan.

“It makes no practical sense to leave Killarney off signposts. How anyone could put up signs without mentioning the major tourist area in the county is just plain ludicrous.”

Mr Moynihan also criticised signage directing drivers destined to Killarney onto a ‘spur’ road leading to the Killorglin side of Tralee, rather than using the older, shorter road to Killarney.

There have also been complaints that signs on the bypass direct drivers approaching Tralee from the Killarney side onto the Killorglin side of Tralee, rather than pointing them directly towards Tralee town.

The 13.5km bypass, the biggest ever road project in Kerry, was officially opened on Friday.

Kerry County Council spokesman Padraig Corkery said the local authority was keeping signage under review and are considering issues being raised.

He said NRA guidelines aim to keep signs as uncomplicated as possible.

“A maximum of four destinations can be put on a sign,” said Mr Corkery. “Having too many names on a sign can make it difficult for drivers to read them and can pose dangers for road users. The aim is that people can read signs safely.”

Mr Corkery also said tourists driving onto the bypass from the northern side of Tralee would generally be using maps, AA information, or sat nav system.