Killarney councillor Martin Grady has called for an urgent review of traffic management across the town following severe delays along the Muckross Road during the morning rush hour.

Constituents living along Muckross Road, Woodlawn, and outer Muckross areas raised serious concerns with the local representative, reporting that motorists now face delays of over 30 minutes to travel from Flesk Bridge or Woodlawn Cross into Killarney town.

The situation is causing major disruption for parents doing school runs and commuters traveling to work every morning.

“This level of congestion is simply not acceptable,” said Cllr Grady. “I have been contacted by constituents who are experiencing significant delays every morning, with parents trying to get their children to school and people trying to commute into work being caught in traffic for prolonged periods.”

Cllr Grady urged Kerry County Council to look closely at the operation and light sequencing along the route.

“I am calling for a review of the traffic situation along the Muckross Road, including the operation and sequencing of the traffic lights and whether there are any other obstructions or traffic management issues contributing to the delays,” he said.

He stressed that the gridlock is not isolated to one approach road, but affects the entire urban area as population and traffic volumes continue to rise year on year.

“But this issue goes beyond the Muckross Road. Killarney as a whole is experiencing increasing levels of traffic congestion across the town. The people of Killarney have been suffering with traffic for far too long, and the situation is getting worse,” Cllr Grady said.

“Our population is growing and traffic volumes are increasing year on year. We need to look at the bigger picture and develop a proper traffic management plan for Killarney. We need to identify where the problems are, examine how traffic is being managed across the town and put measures in place to improve traffic flow. The current situation has gone beyond what is acceptable for residents, commuters and visitors to Killarney.”

Killarney Toastmasters is inviting members of the local community to an open night at the Dromhall Hotel on Muckross Road this Tuesday evening at 7.30pm.

The event aims to help adults improve public speaking skills, whether preparing for workplace presentations, wedding toasts, or everyday conversations.

Guests can attend without any pressure or obligation to speak on the night.

For over two decades, the local club has provided a structured space for members to build confidence, practice impromptu speaking, and develop leadership attributes through constructive feedback and group exercises.

Club President Nikolina Tijardovic highlighted the broader personal benefits of joining the organization, noting that meetings are grounded in encouragement and mutual respect so members can progress at their own pace.

Admission to the open night is free for all visitors. Further information is available by contacting Anthony Walsh on 085 7314505, emailing president-590632@toastmastersclubs.org, or visiting the Killarney Toastmasters Facebook page.