Newly elected Fianna Fáil TD Michael Cahill has called for immediate action to address safety concerns at Listry Bridge, describing delays in tackling the issue as "unforgivable."

“Listry Bridge needs to be tackled as a matter of extreme urgency, and further delays there would be unforgivable. Too much time has been wasted, and the time is now,” said Cahill, who was highlighting the deteriorating state of several bridges across the county.
Cahill pointed out a significant increase in reports of damage and safety hazards involving bridges throughout Kerry.
He noted that many of these structures, built over a century ago, were not designed to handle the demands of modern traffic.
“Many of our bridges were built over 100 years ago when there was the odd horse and cart on our roads, but they have long outlived their usefulness, given the vast increase in traffic volume and the enormous size of many of the buses and trucks that travel on them,” said Cahill. “Lumps are being knocked out of bridges every day, and there are quite a number of them ready to collapse into the rivers.”
Cahill highlighted several bridges in urgent need of attention, including Rangue Bridge outside Killorglin, which has suffered significant damage from vehicle impact.
The TD stressed that repairs are crucial, as residents on both sides of the bridge fear a potential collapse. Other bridges with safety concerns include Carnahone Bridge, the S-shaped Behy Bridge in Glenbeigh, Laune Bridge in Killorglin, and the Viaduct at Kells.
Cahill has called for a comprehensive survey of Kerry’s bridges, citing the need for a countywide programme to rebuild, widen, and strengthen these aging structures.
“A major investment is required to kick-start a widening, rebuild, and strengthening program for all bridges throughout the county,” he said.
The Rossbeigh-based TD pledged to push for action at the highest levels, calling on the Minister for Transport, Kerry County Council’s Roads Department, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the National Transport Authority, and the Road Safety Authority to prioritise the issue.