News
Killarney area to benefit as Kerry roads get €33 million
Kerry has received a record €33 million for local and regional roads, as part of a €713 million national investment program for 2025.
The funding was confirmed by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien this week.
While projects are planned for all five municipal districts, there are significant allocations specifically benefiting the Killarney area.
Politicians Welcome
Local politicians have welcomed the funding announcement.
The funding was welcomed by the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality and Kerry TD Norma Foley.
Minister Foley highlighted several key projects, including €100,000 allocated for the 200-year-old Listry Bridge on the R563 Killarney to Milltown Road and €25,000 for the Gap of Dunloe Bridge.
The R563 Listry Bridge has been a focus of attention for local county councillors for years The bridge, a vital link on the Killarney to Milltown road, is over 200 years old and has been the scene of many accidents and traffic issues.
Deputy Michael Cahill also welcomed the funding allocated to Listry Bridge.
“I’m delighted that my colleague Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has approved €33,360,450 for County Kerry's regional and local roads. This significant investment will make a huge difference to the rural road network, improving safety on our roads, and reducing journey times,” he said,
Strategic Links Project
The €200,000 allocated for the Killarney Strategic Links Project is a significant investment and a crucial step in addressing traffic alleviation plans in the area. While the amount may seem modest in the context of the overall funding, it is expected to kickstart much-needed improvements to traffic flow.
Healy-Rae brothers
Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae TD and Deputy Danny Healy Rae TD also welcomed the funding, highlighting the increase compared to the 2024 allocation.
"The Kerry figure is a significant rise of €1.56 Million on the €31.8M from 2024 and something both myself and my brother Danny have worked hard to deliver on," said Minister Healy-Rae.
Danny Healy-Rae added, "I am personally delighted to say that increased funding for Kerry non-national roads has been something that I fight hard for every day."
Rural Connectivity
The overall funding package for Kerry reflects a national commitment to improving rural connectivity and supporting local economies.
Minister Foley stated the importance of the investment for rural regeneration, noting that these roads are crucial for access to schools, workplaces, businesses, and tourism facilities.
Killarney area-Specific allocations
Regional Improvement & Regional Maintenance Grants:
Park Road (Railway Bridge): €10,000
Rockfield, Killarney (L-11008): €80,000
Drom, Headford, Killarney (L-3014): €20,000
Coolick, Killarney (L-7015): €60,000
Woodline / Kilcummin Road (L-3018): €15,000
Ballycullane, Rathmore (L-11179): €15,000
Specific Improvement Grants:
R563 Listry Bridge: €100,000
Gap of Dunloe Bridge: €25,000
Strategic Regional and Local:
Killarney Strategic Links Project: €200,000
KWD Recycling shortlisted for national environmental awards
Killarney-based KWD Recycling has been announced as a finalist in the 2026 Repak Resource Awards, securing a spot on the national shortlist for environmental achievement.
The local waste management company has been nominated in the Best Recovery Operator Innovation category, sponsored by DNV, for its state-of-the-art residual waste recovery system.
The Killarney facility utilizes optical sorting, screening, and mechanical processing to extract recyclable plastics and organic material from municipal waste. In its first year of operation, the technology recovered more than 10 per cent of plastic packaging from residual waste for recycling and diverted almost 50 per cent of organic material toward composting.
KWD Recycling will compete alongside Dublin operators Panda and Thorntons Recycling for the category title.
Repak CEO Zoe Kavanagh commended the Kerry firm for demonstrating environmental leadership and bringing local ambition to the national awards.
Category winners will be announced at a black-tie ceremony at the Mansion House in Dublin on Friday, October 23, where each winner will also compete for the Overall Repak Resource Award.
Local businesses have a strong track record at the national event, with Killarney town venue The Killarney Park and The Ross previously taking home the overall title in 2023.
Drivers warned as deer rutting season begins
Motorists in Killarney are being urged to exercise extreme caution as the annual deer rutting season gets underway, causing animals to stray far beyond their usual habitats inside Killarney National Park.
The autumn mating season sees deer becoming highly active and unpredictable, leading to increased sightings and collisions on local roads outside traditional park boundaries.
Two separate incidents highlighted the growing hazard on local routes this week. A reader contacted the Killarney Advertiser to warn drivers after spotting a deer roaming near Tiernaboul towards the school on Sunday afternoon around 7.30pm.
Later that same night, in the early hours of Monday morning, a local driver collided with a deer near Kerry Airport around 1am while returning home from an event.
Despite attempting evasive action, the motorist struck the animal, which died at the scene and temporarily blocked the road before local Gardaí were alerted to clear the obstruction.
The driver sustained substantial vehicle damage, requiring repairs to the bumper, headlamp, and internal components, leaving her facing significant garage costs and time off the road.
Gardaí and road safety advocates advise motorists travelLing during early morning and late evening and remain vigilant along tree-lined routes.
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