There was a major development this week in the long-awaited N22 Farranfore to Killarney Bypass Project, as topographical surveys began along the preferred route — marking the first visible step towards delivering the long-discussed road scheme.

The works are being carried out by Murphy Geospatial Ltd, who have been appointed by Kerry County Council to complete the surveys. The work began in Farranfore earlier this week and will move gradually toward Killarney over the coming weeks.
According to the Council, the surveys will cover both greenfield areas along the preferred corridor and sections of the existing N22 and adjoining local roads. These topographical studies will map the area in detail and are expected to take around three weeks to complete.
While the activity has been long anticipated, Kerry County Council officials have assured the public that there will be minimal traffic disruption while the survey work is taking place.
Director of Services Frank Hartnett told councillors that this is only the beginning of several key stages due to take place before the end of the year. He confirmed that ground investigation works — the next major phase of the project — will begin on November 3rd, under a six-month contract.
The progress update was given during Monday’s full meeting of Kerry County Council, following a motion tabled by Killarney-based councillor John O’Donoghue (Kerry Independent Alliance).
Cllr O’Donoghue sought a clear timeline for the long-awaited bypass, asking if construction could begin in 2026, and highlighting the ongoing strain caused by traffic congestion in Killarney.
“This issue has appeared on the agenda at nearly every council meeting I’ve attended,” said Cllr O’Donoghue. “The traffic congestion in Killarney is now an almost year-round issue and needs to be addressed urgently.”
He said that while the new road won’t solve every transport problem, it will significantly reduce pressure on the town centre.
“The bypass is not a silver bullet that will solve everything. Killarney will always be a desirable place to live, work, and visit but it will have a colossal impact on reducing traffic and improving the quality of life for everyone in the town,” he added.
He also paid tribute to council engineers and the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) team for bringing the project to this stage and called for continued urgency to keep progress on track.
The Council confirmed that Phase 3 design and environmental evaluation work is underway and will continue into 2026. The statutory planning application to An Coimisiún Pleanála is expected to be submitted in 2027. Engagement with local landowners along the proposed route is also taking place.
Meanwhile, both Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae TD and Cllr Jackie Healy-Rae welcomed confirmation that the project is fully funded for its current stages, with a total allocation of €3 million for 2025.
The funding arrangement was outlined at Monday’s meeting, where Mr Hartnett confirmed that €1 million will come directly from the Department of Transport, while an additional €2 million will be advanced by Kerry County Council and later reimbursed by TII in 2026.
“This bypass is a key part of the Kerry–Cork Economic Corridor. The work underway, including topographical surveys and ground investigation works starting on November 3rd, is absolutely essential to move into the planning and design phase. You can’t pour concrete before the groundworks, surveys and planning are done. This funding is real, it’s happening, and it’s how we get to the next stage and secure the major investment that will follow.”said Minister Healy-Rae.
Cllr Jackie Healy-Rae added that the allocation ensures the project stays on schedule through 2025. “This is practical, joined-up work behind the scenes to keep the bypass moving forward,” he said.
The bypass forms part of the wider Kerry–Cork Economic Corridor, which aims to improve connectivity between the counties and relieve traffic bottlenecks through Killarney and Farranfore.
When completed, the N22 Farranfore–Killarney Bypass will not only shorten journey times between Cork and Tralee but also enhance safety and support regional economic growth by providing a more efficient route for residents, tourists, and businesses.
For now, though, the sight of engineers and survey crews along the route marks a long-awaited milestone.