Funding shortfalls remains the primary obstacle to delivering a major upgrade to Listry Bridge on the R563, Kerry County Council officials confirmed.

The issue was raised again by Councillor Brendan Cronin, who continues to push for progress at Killarney Municipal District meetings. In his latest motion, Cllr Cronin asked council officials "to request a detailed report from the consultants appointed by Kerry County Council almost three years ago to progress the application for a new bridge at Listry on the R563."
He further asked to "clarify how many of the required four phases to develop the project have been completed and is the final design completed for public consultation and applying for planning permission."
In a comprehensive written response, council officials outlined the history of the project and the current funding reality.
Following a feasibility study by Fehily Timoney & Associates prior to 2021 and an Environmental Screening Report in 2022, initial attempts to appoint consultants for phases one to four stalled due to a lack of multi-annual funding commitments from the Department of Transport. Consultancy costs alone were estimated in the region of €440,000, excluding specialist surveys and site investigations.
Punch Consulting Engineers were appointed in late 2024 to complete a Phase 1 Feasibility Report, which was delivered in May 2025. The report identified four strategic options, ranging from road marking improvements to the construction of a brand-new bridge with road realignment.
However, delivering a new bridge is currently estimated to cost "in excess of €7 million."
Council officials stated that the only viable funding avenue for the major scheme is the Department of Transport's Strategic Improvement Grant.
Current allocations under this programme (€1.5 million in 2025 and €1 million in 2026) are "significantly below the level required for this project."
Furthermore, the Department has indicated that priority is being given to projects linked to housing delivery, access to zoned lands, relief roads, and urgent structural repairs.
As a result, the local authority is moving forward with interim safety measures while seeking long-term funding.
"Considering these constraints, Kerry County Council has examined interim measures to improve safety and traffic operation at the existing bridge pending the availability of funding for a long-term solution," officials stated.
The preferred interim option involves installing electronic yield signage combined with reduced speed limits, enhanced signage, and improved road markings. Council officials noted this approach improves driver awareness, reduces approach speeds, minimises traffic disruption, and provides a cost-effective intervention.
An initial €100,000 has been approved by the Department of Transport for 2026 toward the €180,000 interim scheme, with the remaining balance expected in 2027.
Council officials concluded: "While it remains the long-term objective of Kerry County Council to progress a permanent scheme (bridge widening or replacement), advancement beyond Phase 1 is contingent on securing substantial funding. In the interim, it is considered essential to proceed with the identified short-term measures to improve safety and operational efficiency at Listry Bridge."