TD claims ‘money was pulled’ from four Kerry road projects

Kerry roads a priority: Taoiseach, Simon Harris and Education Minister and Kerry TD Norma Foley trying out a stylish vintage car at the official opening has officially opened the new Listowel bypass on Monday.
Picture: Valerie O’Sullivan

Comments made by Taoiseach Simon Harris that his government would continue to invest in road projects in Kerry have been queried by Deputy Danny Healy-Rae who claimed “money was pulled” from four road projects in Kerry in recent weeks.

Mr Harris made his comments at the official opening of the new €62 million Listowel bypass road on Monday where he said roads in Kerry would “continue to be a priority”.

“The Listowel bypass is not the end of the matter in terms of investing in road infrastructure in Kerry and I feel quite strongly on that,” he said.

However, Deputy Healy-Rae highlighted four projects that were placed on ice in recent weeks. They are:

The N72 Killalee pavement scheme at Fossa, Killarney
The N72 Lackabane pavement scheme at Fossa, Killarney
The N71 Kenmare to Bonane phase two pavement scheme
The N70 Creamery Cross to Kenneigh phase two pavement scheme in Cahersiveen

Deputy Danny Healy-Rae: Killarney has been choked with traffic all summer

“I am confused by the statement the Taoiseach made when he said that this government would continue to invest in road projects in Kerry. While I am very glad the Listowel bypass has been completed, I am very disappointed that the Killarney bypass has been continuously neglected by this government and previous governments,” Deputy Healy-Rae told KillarneyToday.com.

“When you consider the way Killarney has been choked up with traffic these summer months, with people are parked for hours in their cars on the way in and out, the bypass is badly needed,” he said.

The Kerry TD said the government has also neglected to provide funding to continue the works from Parknasilla to Tahilla this year on the busy Ring of Kerry road.

“Some money was allocated last year but further was needed to complete that section but no money was allocated which is shameful. There still remains another section to be done west of Blackwater Bridge waiting for years where two vehicles of any kind can’t pass safely there,” he added.

Deputy Healy-Rae has asked the Taoiseach to ensure that these road projects are progressed without any further delay.

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