North Kerry road an ‘embarrassment’ with races around the corner

By Alastair Tibbs, The Kerryman

North Kerry councillors have branded the state of one of their main roads as an ‘embarrassment’, underlining the need for national level investment.

With Listowel Races just around the corner, Councillor Tom Barry said many would be driving the ‘neglected’ Kerry section of the N69 into Listowel.

At a recent Listowel Municipal District meeting, Councillor Aoife Kennelly called on Kerry County Council (KCC) to fight for funding from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for the national secondary.

She said there were multiple dangerous sections of road, from Tarbet to Popes Cross, at Cahirdown and at Kilflynn Cross.

“There’s now a number of sections…they are all just deteriorating,” said Cllr Kennelly.

“For years and years funding has been looked at for the N69…the road has been neglected for years now.”

“I 100pc agree with you,” responded Councillor Jimmy Moloney.

He recalled an previous allocation of €50,000 for William’s Street which he derided as ‘absolutely crazy’.

“Everything is a battle to try and get money for the N69,” said Cllr Moloney.

“Personally, I think the process is extremely frustrating and for the public as well.”

Councillor Liam Nolan warned that the lack of maintenance would cause an accident, supporting his fellow councillors in pushing for funding.

KCC said the condition of the N69 had been brough to the attention of the TII and that a report had been submitted to the agency for the section at Cahirdown.

Cllr Moloney was also supported in his proposal to write to the TII to request a meeting.