IT was a long time coming but, today, two newly upgraded sections of the N86 national secondary road on the Dingle Peninsula were officially opened by the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin.
The opening of the N86 Lispole to Ballynasare Lower and Ballygarret to Camp road improvement scheme marks the completion of a further 4km section of the N86, including a 1.3km section between Ballygarret and Camp, and a 2.7km section between Lispole and Ballynasare Lower.
The new €8 million scheme represents a continuation of investment in and the upgrading of the N86 and follows the completion of the Annascaul to Gortbreagoge scheme which was completed in 2013. It forms part of the overall proposal to improve 32km of the main route between Dingle and Camp, on the main road artery between Tralee and west Kerry.
The project incorporates new pedestrian and cycling facilities and eliminates a hairpin bend at Banoge South, improving safety for all roads users as a result. The contract for the construction of the project was awarded to an Allman Contracts Ltd/Mid-Cork Tarmacadam joint venture in October 2016 and works commenced in late 2016.
Minister Griffin said: “The new sections of road are far safer for motorists and incorporate impressive new pedestrian and cycling facilities. The elimination of the hairpin bend at Banoge South is a great engineering achievement and required major ground works”.
He added: “The overall project means improved access for local residents and businesses, as well as meeting the needs of rapidly growing tourism numbers and other industry”.
Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Norma Foley said the newly improved sections of the N86 will further enhance the route for local residents and businesses as well as the many thousands of visitors to Dingle and west Kerry annually.
Chief Executive of Kerry County Council, Moira Murrell said she looked forward to further progress and investment in the route.
“Continued investment in the upgrading of the N86 is so vital for many reasons, not least the need to improve access to Dingle and west Kerry, one of our prime visitor locations. The new scheme being opened today will further improve the visitor experience to this region,” Ms Murrell remarked.
Minister Griffin unveiled a limestone plaque at Garrynadur to mark the occasion.
Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan. Click on individual images for details
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