Hope for potential mid Kerry bypass project to alleviate traffic ‘choke hold’

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is ‘interested’ in plans for a bypass of Killorglin according to the council, as local councillors look to alleviate the traffic “choke hold” in the town.

A bypass for Killorglin has been awaiting funding for decades but council officers at the recent Kenmare’s Municipal District meeting say the wait may be at an end.

The bypass has gone through some initial planning stages, but it was confirmed in June that TII had given no provision for the project this year.

The council supports the intervention, believing it the only solution to traffic congestion during peak times, but the major funding needed for the project must be acquired from the TII.

At the MD meeting last week, Councillor Podge Foley highlighted how ‘vital’ the new link would be, given the number of jobs that are supported by Killorglin and surrounding area.

Councillor Tommy Cahill agreed with Cllr Foley, acknowledging works would be ‘huge and complex’ but emphasising the problems the single ‘choke hold’ bridge across the River Laune posed to locals and visitors.

Council officers said TII was interested in the project but … needed to be realistic about project timelines.

They explained the TII had funded similar schemes, like the Milltown bypass, some years and halted funding other years, drawing out works longer than expected.

The Killorglin bypass itself has received funding for initial planning, but further capital had been unforthcoming.

Councillor Johnny Healy-Rae said prioritising the Milltown bypass, which is in a more advanced phase than Killorglin’s, would be a ‘hard sell’, voicing his support for the Killorglin project.