Crumbling Kerry road needs emergency funds: ‘Every bend, pothole and collapse is a danger’

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

A Kerry councillor has called for emergency investment for the “lifeline” road along the Dingle Peninsula, saying “crumbling” sections are causing danger to life.

Councillor Breandán Fitzgerald urged the Transport Minister and Transport Infrastructure Ireland to allocate funding for the completion of the N86 Tralee-Dingle road, emphasising “we cannot wait any longer”.

Around €1.25m has already been allocated this year to the N86 scheme but further sections are yet to receive funding.

“The N86 Tralee–Dingle road is our lifeline,” said Cllr Fitzgerald.

“Sections of it are crumbling. From Lios Póil to Dingle, from Camp to Derrymore, the road is deteriorating daily. Every bend, every pothole, every collapse is a danger.”

“This is an emergency and we need funding to do urgent repairs to these sections immediately.”

Dingle is one of Ireland’s six fisheries harbour centres and is a hub of the Irish seafood industry.

It is the gateway to the Corca Dhuibhne Gaeltacht and is now the at the heart of Ireland’s first National Marine Park, Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí.

“Our families, our locals, our communities and our tourists all deserve better,” said Cllr Fitzgerald.

“Every delay is a blow to our economy, our culture, our safety. This council fought hard and long for this project, and it is ready to proceed bar the funding. We cannot wait any longer. We need emergency investment from TII and we need it now.”