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WORK on the first phrase of a route on the main Tralee-Dingle road is expcted to commence in July.
Kerry County Council has today published the tender notice for the construction of the N86 Lispole to Ballynasare Lower and Ballygarret to Camp road improvement scheme.
The route, approximately 4km in length on the main Tralee-Dingle road, is the first phase of the construction of the N86 Dingle to Annascaul and Gortbreagoge to Camp Road Improvement Scheme.
The road project – on the main artery into and out of the Dingle Peninsula - was approved by An Bord Pleanála in November 2014, but was delayed due to a legal challenge to that decision which was initiated by An Taisce. Following the conclusion to the High Court proceedings in December 2015, Transport Infrastructure Ireland announced funding of €4 million to facilitate the commencement of the land acquisition and construction of this much-needed scheme.
It is expected that construction of the Lispole to Ballynasare Lower and Ballygarret to Camp scheme will commence in July 2016 and will take approximately 18 months to complete. The scheme includes a cycleway/pedestrian facility and will be consistent with the recently improved section on the N86 between Annascaul and Gortbreagoge.
It is expected that, subject to availability of funding, the construction of the remainder of this scheme will be progressed in a number of phases over the coming years.
The cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Pat McCarthy, welcomed the progress made in getting this phase of the works to tender stage and stated: “When complete this scheme will provide a much improved road between Camp and Dingle, resulting in improved road safety for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists, and will greatly improve access to the Dingle Peninsula which will benefit locals, the tourism industry and commercial activity in the area.”
Michael Nolan, CEO, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, stated: “We are hopeful that if additional funding is made available, the N86 Lispole to Ballynasare Lower and Ballygarret to Camp Road Improvement Scheme will be the first scheme of many towards upgrading the national secondary road network which access some of Ireland most recognised coastal locations. Not only is this scheme offering safety benefits, it also offers an attractive public amenity for all road users.”