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Planning timeline for N22 upgrade moves toward 2027
Planning timeline for N22 upgrade moves toward 2027
The N22 Farranfore to Killarney Road Project remains the most critical long-term infrastructure requirement for Killarney town, offering the only sustainable resolution to gridlock and town centre traffic congestion
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At a recent meeting of the Killarney Municipal District, Kerry County Council officials confirmed that the proposed bypass and strategic route upgrade is actively moving through the essential design and environmental evaluation phases.
Officials said that this detailed technical work will run through 2026 and 2027 to prepare the necessary documentation for a formal statutory application to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
For years, the Killarney Advertiser has highlighted the crippling effect of traffic bottlenecks on the existing N22 network.
Peak morning and evening commutes regularly cause major tailbacks at key junctions such as Coolcorcoran, Lewis Road, and Lissivigeen.
The current road infrastructure handles daily traffic volumes well beyond its intended capacity, blending traffic travelling the Kerry-Cork economic corridor with local commuter traffic and high volumes of seasonal tourist vehicles.
While recent smaller-scale infrastructure proposals such as the Strategic Link Road connecting Park Road directly to the existing bypass could offer localised relief once its completed, council engineers have consistently maintained that only the full N22 Farranfore to Killarney bypass will permanently divert through-traffic away from the urban area.
The project's advancement into the design phase follows major field developments, including topographical mapping and ground investigation works carried out along the preferred route corridor.
Reaching the statutory planning phase represents the most significant administrative step in the capital project's lifecycle. A statutory application to An Coimisiún Pleanála entails a comprehensive legal process under national planning legislation.
The submission requires a complete Environmental Impact Assessment Report detailing ecological, noise, air, and heritage impact studies currently being compiled across the route. Furthermore, the council must submit a formal Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) framework to acquire the necessary land along the designated corridor.
Once submitted, An Coimisiún Pleanála will launch a formal public consultation period, allowing landowners, local residents, and civic bodies to lodge statutory submissions or objections. The planning authority may also convene an oral hearing to examine technical evidence before issuing a final binding decision on whether the scheme can proceed to procurement and construction.
With the project included under the National Development Plan's major infrastructure list, local representatives continue to press national authorities to ensure project timelines remain on schedule through the upcoming planning phase.
Church seeks creative Christmas trees for festival
The Methodist Church in Killarney is inviting local schools, community groups, businesses, and individuals to create and submit decorated Christmas trees for an upcoming festive event on Countess Road.
The Christmas Tree Festival will take place at the church from December 4 to December 6.
Organiser Revd Alison Gallagher explained that the initiative aims to build on the success of the church’s Summer Fête, which raised several thousand euro for church funds and designated charity ADAPT Kerry.
Revd Gallagher previously directed a similar festival in Inishowen, County Donegal, which featured more than 50 unique tree entries from local schools, daycare centres, supermarkets, jewellers, and local services.
Revd Gallagher said: “In August, we had a very successful Summer Fête, and hundreds of people attended. That event raised several thousand euro for the church and our designated charity, ADAPT Kerry. We are now hoping to build on that success with this forthcoming festival, which will hopefully showcase the creativity and talent that exists in the town and surrounding area.”
Anyone interested in submitting a tree for the display can contact Revd Gallagher on 087 263 2906 or by email at alison.gallagher@irishmethodist.org.
€6,000 Scrooge Giveaway!
Six lucky audience members will each walk away with €1,000 as the Gleneagle Arena welcomes an extraordinary international production to Kerry this New Year.
Fancy starting 2027 with an extra €1,000 in your pocket? That’s exactly what’s on offer when the spectacular Scrooge: Cirque Extravaganza arrives at Killarney’s Gleneagle Arena from January 1 to 3.
In an extraordinary twist, one lucky audience member at every performance will win €1,000 in cash, drawn live on stage as part of the show. With six performances scheduled, an incredible €6,000 will be given away over three days!
Every ticket holder is automatically entered into the Lucky Seat draw, adding another reason to book what promises to be one of Kerry’s biggest family entertainment highlights of the festive season.
And what a show the Gleneagle Arena is bringing to Killarney!
Forget everything you know about traditional Christmas theatre. This breathtaking production transforms Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol into a dazzling spectacle of flying acrobats, fire breathers, gravity-defying circus performers, spectacular costumes, music and comedy.
Fresh from a successful 2025 season at ICC Wales, the production features an international cast of circus stars and West End performers, including former Cirque du Soleil artist Harvey Donnelly.
Critics have praised its spectacular staging, with Wales Online describing the production as “the Christmas show for people who think Christmas shows aren’t for them.”
Produced by Jon Conway, whose credits include Elf The Musical, the show also features a special connection to Dickens himself. His great-great-grandson, Gerald Dickens, has been involved as a consultant, helping preserve the magic of the original story.
Securing this major international production is another fantastic addition to the Gleneagle Arena’s entertainment calendar, giving Kerry families and visitors the opportunity to experience world-class theatrical entertainment without travelling to Dublin or abroad.
With tickets starting at €27.70, it’s an ideal Christmas gift and a spectacular way to welcome the New Year.
Scrooge: Cirque Extravaganza runs from January 1st to 3rd, 2027, at Gleneagle Arena, Killarney.
Book your tickets now through Ticketmaster.ie or gleneaglearena.ie.
Church seeks creative Christmas trees for festival
Church seeks creative Christmas trees for festival The Methodist Church in Killarney is inviting local schools, community groups, businesses, and...
€6,000 Scrooge Giveaway!
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