Killarney roads upgrade will have 'severe impact' on woods and rivers, ecologist claims

The planned €200m upgrade of a road between Farranfore and Killarney could badly damage woodlands and rivers that are home to squirrels, badgers and bats, and beloved by locals, campaigners say

The roads plan aims to remove some of the traffic congestion from the centre of Killarney. File Picture.

Concerns are growing that the €200m upgrade of a section of road between Farranfore and Killarney will have a "severe impact" on two outdoor amenities in Kerry.

Ecologists and others are claiming that three of the four options tabled for the multi-million euro upgrade of the N22 will badly damage the area known as the "Dark Wood", as well as the Deenagh River, which is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).