New look for old road makes a real difference

The fabulous tree lined new road leading to the upper car park at Torc Waterfall.
Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan

AN old road has been given a complete new look that required an investment of a €382,000.

The Old Kenmare Road in Killarney National Park – locally known as the Tanks Road – has been reconstructed and it has now reopened in time for the summer influx of hikers.

The road runs from the junction of the N71 to the upper car park at Torc and it had been closed to all vehicular, cycling and pedestrian since May 17 to facilitate the repairs.

Bridging the gap: A new bridge was installed at Core’s Cascade, along the Old Kenmare Road

The project forms part of the Killarney Municipal District Schedule of Works Programme for 2021 and it was funded via an Outdoor Recreational Infrastructure Scheme to the value of €250,000 and a Local Improvement Scheme investment to the value of €132,000.

The road, which had badly deteriorated in recent years, is an important and iconic route for local walkers and for those who visit Killarney.