By Sean Moriarty

Locals and visitors can expect traffic disruption on Rock Road over the next few weeks as Kerry County Council has started Phase Two of the street upgrade programme.

Footpath widening works on the eastern side of the street, from the Library to the entrance of St Finan’s Hospital began on Monday.

The works, which are expected to continue until July 16, are part of a €500,000 investment that will improve the footpaths and the road surface on Rock Rd.

It is all part of an infrastructure improvement scheme in the area. Two years ago the footpaths on the opposite side of the road were widened and a new car and coach park was built on land provided by the Sisters of Mercy.

The Council always intended to improve the other side as soon as funds and time allowed and that work started this week with the “undergrounding” of services.

“The works on Rock Road involve the widening of the footpaths, which are very narrow, between the St Finan’s Hospital gate and the library,” a Council spokesperson told the Killarney Advertiser.

“Services are also being undergrounded at this location. The Council is working to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum. This is all part of very significant investment in infrastructure in Killarney in recent times.”