Enthusiastically welcomed proposals for the provision of a number of major new cycle paths in Killarney have received planning consent and while funding has already been approved for one new section to commence construction, additional finance sanctioned this year will help to progress detailed design work for the other projects.
Responding to queries from Mayor of Killarney, Cllr Niall Kelleher and Cllr John O’Donoghue, Kerry County Council officials said funding for the construction of the Rock Road cycleway has been rubber-stamped while it is hoped to progress design work shortly for the Upper Lewis Road, Park Road, Deerpark Road and Chestnut Drive schemes.
Further funding will be sought in 2024 to progress construction work in those areas.
Mayor Niall Kelleher was told that negotiations with property owners on the acquisition of small sections of land are ongoing.
“It is exceptionally disappointing that shovel-ready projects are not being funded,” said Cllr Kelleher who stressed the importance of seeking agreement from landowners as soon as possible.
As part of the proposals, the existing boundary wall of Fitzgerald Stadium – which is described as being in a dangerous condition – will be knocked and replaced by a more suitable structure but the ornate entrance gates, directly opposite the entrance to Deerpark Pitch and Putt Club, are subject to a preservation order and will be integrated into the plans.
Negotiations with two landowners in the vicinity were required to enable the council to proceed with the plan.
The five cycle paths to be developed are located at:
- Rock Road – From the car park northward to N22 roundabout at Cleeny
- Upper Lewis Road – From the St Anne’s Road junction to just south of Bridgefield
- Park Road – From the Park Road roundabout to the Franciscan Friary junction
- Deerpark Road – From the Park Road junction to Gaelscoil Road junction
- Gaelscoil Road – From the Deerpark Road to Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre
Initial funding was provided in February for infrastructure projects in Killarney under the Active Travel Scheme which will develop state-of-the-art cycle paths in key areas identified by local councils.
The funding included Rock Road (€778,000); Deerpark Road (€70,000) and Gaelscoil Road/Chestnut Drive (€40,000).
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