PERSISTENT flooding problems along a small but problematic stretch of roadway, running from the roundabout at Upper Park Road in Killarney to the entrance to Ballyspillane estate, will be rectified shortly, it has been confirmed.
The issue has been repeatedly raised at a local authority level but the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage that Irish Water, Darragh O’Brien, has now given an assurance that the work will be done.
He said design work is underway for this section of water main and that Irish Water is aware that there are planned road upgrades for the area in 2021.
“Where possible, Irish Water strives to complete works in advance of any upcoming road works to minimise disruption and to avoid digging up newly resurfaced roads,” the minister stated in a written reply to Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae.
The Kerry politician said the surface of the road over the water mains could only be described as “something like in Beirut.”
“The repair will allow Kerry County Council to resurface this section of road which will also be most welcome,” he said.
The matter had recently been highlighted by Mayor of Killaney, Cllr Brendan Cronin, who said the water pipe in constantly bursting and it was causing a real inconvenience to residents in the area, shoppers and people trying to pass through on foot and on bicycles.
It often leads to flooding close to the entrance to the nearby SuperValu store and the footpaths are regularly under water, he stated.
Council officials said the replacement of a 200m of 250mm pipe was included in a recent submission for funding sent to Irish Water by Kerry County Council.
The N22 Park Road Roundabout is the main artery to the town from the Cork side.
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