After several false starts, the preferred route corridor for the N22 between Killarney and Farranfore is expected to be announced by the end of the year.

Maps detailing the proposed route will be available for public viewing by the end of October or early November, according to Mr. Frank Hartnett, a senior roads engineer with Kerry County Council.

Mr. Hartnett attended an emergency meeting in Killarney Town Hall on Thursday morning to address the ongoing traffic congestion in the town.

He informed the meeting that the new road could be constructed in phases, with the Lissivigeen to Lawlor’s Cross section taking priority.

However, it was also noted that this section alone could take five years to complete, and funding remains a significant concern. As a result, the construction of the entire new road could potentially take up to ten years.

Local councillors are calling for immediate political intervention at a national level to expedite the construction of this urgently needed road.