The ongoing traffic gridlock in Killarney is having a severe negative impact on businesses, health, and quality of life in the town and surrounding areas.

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Fianna Fáil Councillor Michael Cahill believes that the recent visit of Taoiseach Simon Harris to Kerry to officially open the Listowel Bypass presents an opportunity to demand urgent progress on the long-awaited Killarney Farranfore Bypass.

"The traffic congestion in Killarney is a major deterrent for visitors, who are often frustrated by the constant delays and gridlock," said Councillor Cahill. "Businesses are struggling to deliver goods, and residents are facing significant inconvenience in their daily lives."

He added that the Department of Transport and Minister Eamon Ryan must take immediate action to move the Killarney Farranfore Bypass project forward to the construction stage.

"Killarney is one of Ireland's most popular tourist destinations, but the traffic congestion is a major obstacle to its continued success," said Councillor Cahill. "We need the Killarney Farranfore Bypass to be completed as soon as possible."

The Taoiseach, Simon Harris, officially opened the Listowel Bypass on Monday which will divert 7,000 vehicles per day away from the town centre.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said: ‘This new road is a major boost for north Kerry in terms of transport, accessibility, commercial activity and tourism. It greatly improves movement across the region including along the busy N69 road between Listowel and Limerick. My government is committed to delivering projects such as this across the country with the support of local authorities and Transport Infrastructure Ireland.’

TD Danny Healy Rae dismissed Harris comments.

“I am confused by the statement the Taoiseach made at the opening of the new Listowel bypass when he said that this Government would continue to invest in road projects in Kerry,” said Healy Rae.

“While I am very glad the Listowel bypass has been completed, I am very disappointed that the Killarney bypass has been continuously neglected by this Government and previous Governments. When you consider the way Killarney has been choked up with traffic these summer months , people are parked for hours in their cars on the way in and out of Killarney, the Killarney bypass is badly needed.”