Authority backs Killorglin road improvements

A bypass is the only real solution to traffic problems in a congested town on one of the country’s busiest tourist routes, according to road engineers.

Thousands of buses and other vehicles pass through Killorglin on the spectacular Ring of Kerry each year, and the town also hosts age-old Puck Fair in August.

Locals have been seeking a solution to traffic hold-ups for many years, but indications are that a bypass, which would also involve the building of a new bridge over the River Laune, is a long way into the future.

A meeting of the South and West Kerry Municipal Authority was told of a €1m plan to carry out improvements to 940m of the Iveragh Rd, Killorglin, part of the Ring of Kerry. The work would include traffic calming and enhanced pedestrian facilities, landscaping, signage and better public lighting.

Authority manager John Flynn said the ultimate solution was to provide a bypass, but there was no timeline for its construction.

However, Mr Flynn urged councillors to take the opportunity to spend money on improved safety and traffic calming.

The authority agreed to the work on an 8-1 vote.