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Funding of €1m announced for Killarney this week will soon improve the town’s dire traffic congestion issues before the 2019 Summer season kicks in.

On Monday, the Fine Gael TD and Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin, announced funding of €1m for Killarney town for smarter travel initiatives, including _{an extensive network of new dedicated cycle lanes in and around the town, and improved traffic management works to alleviate congestion.}

This major funding comes under the Government's Project Ireland 2040 initiative via The Urban Regeneration and Development fund (URDF) through Minister Eoghan Murphy.

Speaking to the Killarney Advertiser on Monday, Minister Griffin said he hopes the works, which he says are ‘shovel ready’, will begin in January and finish before the Summer season begins. He also revealed that a further €330,000 will be provided for the works from Kerry County Council - bringing the total amount to €1.3m.

“It’s as much for the people of Killarney as it is for the tourists,” Minister Griffin said. “It’s very positive news.

“What this plan will entail is the continuation of the cycle lanes that we see on Muckross Road and bring them all the way up to Mission Road towards the Cathedral linking up with the Demense and other parts of the town, linking Ross Road and Flesk Bridge for example.

“The €1m will be complimented by €330,000 from Kerry County Council bringing the total amount to €1.3m, which is substantial.

“Works are shovel ready and we hope to begin in the New Year, in advance of the 2019 season.”

Killarney Chamber President Paul O’Neill said that the Chamber welcomes the news.

The Chamber, he explained, has been consistently highlighting the growing problem of traffic congestion in the Killarney area and the impact it is having on the Killarney brand.

"The ‘TEIR One’ Report, commissioned by the Chamber, found that congestion is a major concern for visitors and is impacting on the visitor experience,” he said.

"The Chamber has, in recent months, campaigned for the inclusion of Killarney projects in the Government’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund and we welcome the allocation of €1.1 million in funding.

"This is an important first step in tackling the congestion problem and will allow a number of important short-term projects to progress.”

He added that the Chamber will continue to campaign for the infrastructural improvements that are urgently needed if Killarney is to achieve its potential to grow visitor numbers by 30 percent by 2025.

Minister Griffin also added that there is also provision for funding to progress the Áras Phadraig Masterplan.

"Details of this specific amount will be made clearer in the near future, and will be in addition to the amounts announced on Monday,” he said.

Minister Brendan Griffin, pictured with Cathaoirleach of the Killarney Municipal District Cllr John Sheahan, Killarney Chamber President Paul O’Neill, local business people and members of Kerry County Council, welcoming news of €1m in funding for Killarney town.